From LiveTimesNG's archives....

How Burna Boy's connection with Fela shot him to stardom


It’s quite evident that Burna boy is currently the African Giant as he continued to give us reasons why he is no fluke. From his Grammy nomination to his 2019 BET win amidst several accolades, Damini Ogulu has proven that he is no ordinary entertainer. However, the rationale behind his sterling successes can be traced to his connection to the late Afro beat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti.



Burna Boy was only six years old when Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti passed away, but there are Fela’s aura around Burna Boy that shot him into stardom.



Recalled that the 28-year-old Nigerian performer once said that the late Afro beat legend is his hero. “Everyone’s got their hero,” . “For me, that’s my hero.”, Burna Boy said.



Number one fact is that, “Fela!” was once managed by Burna Boy’s grandfather while his mother, Bose Ogulu was Fela’s dancer.



From the beginning, the Rivers State born singer, Burna Boy has always been a student of the Fela Ideology modeled after the legendary Afrobeat musician. His style, music and even stage performances are inspired by the life of Fela. Years ago, Burna got criticised when he appeared on stage at Felabration wearing only his underpants, a move that was synonymous to the late music legend and government critic. Fela’s sound and lyrics can be found heavily in Burna Boy’s music to the excitement of fans.



•Burna Boy

One of the things that has worked for Burna Boy has been the involvement of his family in his brand. From his mother who has been his off and on manager since the beginning of his career to the close advices he gets from his grandfather, Benson Idonije who used to be Fela’s manager, Burna Boy has always had his family around.



•Burna Boy and mother, Bose Ogulu



Burna Boy is a complete artiste. Quite unassuming but gets possessed once he steps on stage. Burna Boy isn’t just a good singer but equally an amazing dancer which gets his fans and critics excited.



To improve on his craft, Burna has over the years managed to be very professional. When he started his career, he was being managed by his mum who is still very much involved but it got to a point when he needed to up his game. The singer simply abandoned sentiments when he dropped his mum and picked a professional management team to handle him. His productions have also always been top-notch.


https://livetimesng.com/how-burna-boys-connection-with-fela-shots-him-to-stardom/