Burna Boy, originally born Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, has become a global phenomenon. He shatters records with seemingly effortless ease, from becoming the first Nigerian artist to surpass 100 million streams on Spotify to gracing the prestigious main stage at the Grammy Awards. With his massive public profile, it can feel like we know everything about the Afrobeat superstar. However, for many fans, there’s still a wealth of fascinating details waiting to be discovered.

This article goes beyond the headlines, exploring the lesser-known facts and experiences that have shaped Burna Boy’s remarkable artistic journey.

1.  Before adopting the name ‘Burna Boy’ his stage name was Shotgun:

Before becoming a popular sensation on our screens, Burna Boy was a teenager with rhymes hot enough to be called “Shotgun”. He wasn’t blasting away with a weapon but with beats and freestyles—a young talent honing his craft. But even then, destiny whispered – “Burna Boy” soon replaced Shotgun, a name inspired by comic book heroes, hinting at the global stardom that awaited.

2.  He rocks tattoos of Scarface and Stewie on his body:

As we all know, the multi-award-winning singer has an immense love for body art, as he is one of the most tattoo-clad Nigerian artists. Psalms for guidance, “Rock Star” for ambition, and a wall dedicated to family—each tattoo tells a story. But some are more playful. Imagine Stewie, the scheming mastermind from Family Guy, channelling his inner Scarface, the iconic gangster.

That’s a tattoo Burna Boy proudly wears, a quirky reminder never to underestimate his hustle. The singer revealed this detail during a question and answer session with GQ, where he gave viewers a breakdown of some of the tattoos he had acquired over the years and their symbolism.

3.  He owns a cereal brand named Space Puffs;

In 2018, Burna Boy defied expectations with a limited-edition cereal launch. In a move that blurred the lines between artistry and entrepreneurship, Burna Boy unveiled a limited edition of cereals dubbed Space Puffs. This wasn’t just breakfast; it was a cosmic experience. Released during a London pop-up event, each box bore the imprint of Burna’s boundless creativity, inviting fans to taste the flavours of his universe. With Space Puffs, Burna Boy can be found and purchased in grocery stores across the United Kingdom.

This isn’t the first time musical acts would invest in the food business, as it seems to be a lucrative endeavour, especially when it is centred around easy-to-make breakfast meals of snacks.

4.  Drake co-signed him and sampled his voice:

Burna Boy’s talent transcended borders when rap titan Drake sampled his voice in the song “Get It Together” off his 2017 album “More Life”. The song itself featured iconic South African DJ, Black Coffee and soulful British songstress, Jorja Smith. Burna Boy’s voice can be heard in the outro. It was like a king of the game acknowledging the rising prince. This wasn’t just a feature, it was a coronation on the global stage, a moment that propelled Burna Boy from an Afrobeats prodigy to an international star.

Later that year, Burna would go on to release his third studio album Outside, which featured the original track “More Life”, which was sampled by Drake on his album.

5.  The first Nigerian musician to sell out the London Stadium:

In 2022, Burna Boy shattered records by becoming the first Nigerian artist to announce a stadium tour, a visionary move that further elevated Afrobeats to the global stage. In a groundbreaking moment, Burna Boy etched his name in history as the first African artist to command a stadium show in the UK. With a sea of 60,000 fervent fans filling London Stadium, the Grammy award-winner unleashed his electrifying Afrobeats anthems, sparking an eruption of energy that reverberated throughout the night.

His two-hour spectacle was a masterclass in musical prowess, punctuated by surprise appearances from industry heavyweights like Stormzy and Dave, who joined him on a colossal merry-go-round stage.

6. The first Nigerian to headline Madison Square Garden:

Madison Square Garden: the hallowed grounds where legends are made and dreams take flight. For Burna Boy, it was more than just a venue; it was a stage for history to unfold. In a groundbreaking moment, he became the first Nigerian artist to headline this iconic arena, igniting a blaze of passion and pride reverberating across continents. From the streets of Port Harcourt to the heart of New York City, Burna Boy’s journey epitomised the power of perseverance and the boundless potential of African music on the global stage.

7.  He studied media at the university before taking up a yearlong internship in radio.

Before he conquered the charts, Burna Boy navigated lecture halls and internships. He kicked off his journey studying media technology at the University of Sussex before diving deeper into media communications and culture at Oxford Brookes University. But it wasn’t all about hitting the books; Burna also got his hands dirty with a year-long stint at Rhythm 93.7 FM in Port Harcourt, soaking up the beats and honing his craft.

8.  The Back-to-Back Grammy Nominee:

Burna Boy’s journey at the Grammys isn’t just about nominations; it’s a tale of perseverance and ultimate triumph. He didn’t become a champion overnight. His dedication earned him

back-to-back nominations, a testament to the consistent excellence showcased in his music. Finally, in 2021, his efforts culminated in victory. “Twice As Tall,” his critically acclaimed album, brought home the Grammy for Best Global Music Album. This wasn’t just a personal milestone but a win for Afrobeats, a genre Burna Boy had championed on the world stage.

9.  The most Grammy-nominated Nigerian artiste

With a staggering 10 nominations under his belt, his musical prowess continues to captivate audiences worldwide. At the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, Burna Boy made waves with four nominations, showcasing his versatility across multiple categories. From the Best Global Music Album for “I Told Them…” to the Best Melodic Rap Performance for “Sittin’ On Top Of The World,” his range knows no bounds.

The year prior, his album “Love, Damini” and collaboration on “Last Last” garnered recognition. Notably, Burna Boy secured a win at the 63rd Grammy Awards for Best Global Music Album with “Twice As Tall.” Earlier nominations include features on Justin Bieber’s “Justice” and Angelique Kidjo’s “Do Yourself.” His journey began with a nod at the 62nd Grammys for Best World Music Album with “African Giant.” Burna Boy’s remarkable talent continues to shape the global music landscape.

10.  The Architect of Afro-Fusion

Burna Boy isn’t just a musician; he’s a genre pioneer. He christened his sound “Afro-Fusion,” a vibrant blend of Afrobeats with dancehall, reggae, and even pop influences. This isn’t just about creating a catchy label; it’s about defying limitations and forging a new sonic identity. Burna Boy’s Afro-Fusion isn’t a melting pot; it’s a carefully curated soundscape that celebrates the diversity of African music while appealing to a global audience. With his genre-bending approach, Burna Boy has not only established himself as a musical powerhouse but also secured his place as a key figure in the evolution of African music.

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