Have you been looking for detailed information about Burna Boy biography? This article discusses every relevant fact you may desire about the award-winning singer Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu. Burna Boy is a Nigerian Afrofusion Artist.
Image’s Source: News Central TV
Afrofusion in the music corridor is blending two or more musical genres with afrobeat. Afrofusion means supporting or joining Afrobeat with other genres like POP, dancehall, reggae, and electronic music. As a creative artist who wants to stand atop his peers, Damini Ogulu (Burna Boy) distinguishes himself by adopting an afro-fusion style slightly different from the popularly known afrobeat.
Burna Boy Biography and Background
Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu with the stage name Burna Boy, is a globally celebrated Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer. He was born into the family of Mr. Samuel and Bose Ogulu on July 2, 1991, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. His father worked for a welding company, while his mother served as a language translator for the Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce. Mrs. Bose Ogulu, Burna Boy’s mother, later became his manager.
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The award-winning singer, songwriter, and record producer grew up with his two sisters, Jehovah-Nissi and Ronami. His younger sister is also a singer, graphic designer, mechanical engineer, and entrepreneur, while his elder sister, Ronami, is a designer and scientist.
Ebunoluwa Ogulu’s maternal grandfather, Benson Idonije, was an ace broadcaster and Jazz lover who once managed the renowned music legend Fela Kuti (late).
Image Source: Boomplay Music
Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu had his primary school education at Montessori International School and his secondary school studies at Corona Secondary School, Agbara, Ogun State. After his secondary education, Burna Boy moved to London, United Kingdom, to further his studies. He studied Media Technology at the University of Sussex from 2008 to 2009 and had a media communications and culture certification at Oxford Brookes University between 2009 and 2010. He later had a year-long internship at Rhythm 93.7 FM in Port Harcourt. Burna Boy is now 32 years old in 2024.
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Burna Boy’s Early Career and Breakthrough
Burna Boy’s professional musical journey started in 2010 when he signed with Aristokrats Records. However, he began creating music at 10 using Fruity Loops, a production software his classmate gifted him. He launched his professional music career in 2010 with his first record, Shobeedo 2011.
The singer Burna Boy’s music genres are primarily POP and Afrobeat. He calls his music Afro-fusion, which he describes as a blend of R&B, dancehall, reggae, and hip-hop.
On August 12, 2013, Burna Boy released his debut album, L.I.F.E (Leaving an Impact for Eternity), under the Aristrokrat record label. The evergreen album consists of hit singles like “Like to Party,” “Tonight,” and “Run my Race,” which received significant airplay and made him a rising superstar in the Nigerian music world. L.I.F.E. album broke a record by selling 40,000 copies on the first day of its release.
Image’s Source: Premium Times Nigeria
L.I.F.E was solely produced by Eric Isaac Utere, popularly known as Leriq, and featured A-list singers such as Wizkid, 2Face, Timaya, M.I. Abaga, Olamide, and Reminisce. L.I.F.E was one of the best Burna Boy albums, applauded by music critics and brought him to the limelight. It was nominated as the best album of the year at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards 2014. It peaked at number 7 on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart in August 2013.
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On November 25, 2015, Burna Boy’s rise to prominence continued to dominate the music space after the release of his second album, “On a Spaceship,” under his record label, Spaceship Entertainment, after he departed from Aristokrat, the previous record label he was signed to. This was followed by “Redemption,” a 7-track EP debut in 2016.
Burna Boy’s third album, “Outside,” was released in 2018, marking his international breakthrough. The Album had global hit tracks like “Ye,” “Koni Baje,” “Heaven’s Gate,” “Streets of Africa,” “Rock Your Body,” and “Sekkle Down”. “Outside” was widely applauded by music critics across the globe and won several national and international laurels for Burna Boy.
Since Burna Boy came into the limelight, he has consistently released hit songs that set him apart from his peers. In 2019 and 2020, he had his fourth and fifth Albums. “African Giant” was released in August 2019, and “Twice as Tall” was released in 2020. He has other Albums to his credit. He released “Love, Damini”, his sixth Album, on July 13, 2022, and “I Told Them” on August 30, 2023. All the Albums have hit singles that keep raking awards for Burna Boy, the producer, and the label he was signed to.
Burna Boy’s versatility and brilliance in his chosen Afro-fusion craft have distinguished him and made him a globally celebrated Nigerian Artist. He is a Grammy Award winner, one of the greatest awards for outstanding artists.
Featured Artists
Burna Boy has collaborated with various great artists worldwide. His collaboration with other award-winning singers is proof of his musical prowess. Below are some of his collaborations with his colleagues:
Burna Boy has featured Jorja Smith in his “Gum Body” song. He has featured Lily Allen, J. Hus, 2 Baba and Timaya, Wizkid, D’Banj, Phyno, and Ed Sheeran in “Own It”, “Heaven’s Gate”, “Sekkle Down”, “Abeg Abeg”, “Single”, “Won Da Mo” and “Duro Ni Be” respectively. He did a song with Zlatan Ibile titled “Killin Dem”.
Similarly, Burna has been featured by recognized and celebrated singers like Dave, Jorja Smith, Major Lazer, AKA, Rita Ora, Phyno, Shatta Wale, Stormzy, and Justin Bieber in “Loved by You”, “Location”, “Be Honest”, Miss You Bad”, “All My Life”, “All Eyes on Me”, “Your Song”, ‘Link Up”, “Hossana”, respectively.
Burna Boy Award and Recognition
Burna Boy is one of the few talented, great singers whose musical brilliance has earned national and international recognition, nominations, and meritorious awards. His Afrofusion crafts are worthwhile; below are some of the awards to his credit.
- 2024 Nominee, Best Male R&B/POP Artist
- 2024 nominee, Best Male Hip Hop Artist
- 2023 Nominee, video director of the year
- 2023 Nominee, viewer’s choice award for “last last”
- 2023 Winner, Best International Act, Nigeria
- 2024 Nominee, Best Male R&B/POP Artist
- 2023 Nominee, International Artist of the Year
- 2025Nominee, Best African Music Performance
- 2024 Nominee, Best Global Music Performance
- 2024 Nominee, Best Global Music Album
- 2024 Nominee, Best Melodic Rap Performance
- 2024 Nominee, Best African Music Performance
- 2023 Nominee, Best Global Music Performance
- 2023 Nominee, Best Global Music Album
- 2022 Nominee, Best Global Music Performance
- 2022 Nominee, Album of the Year
- 2021 Winner, Best Global Music Album
- 2020 Nominee, Best World Music Album
- 2024 Nominee, Outstanding Album
- 2024 Nominee, Outstanding Male Artist
- 2024 Nominee, Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration
- 2024 Nominee, Outstanding International Song
- 2023 Nominee, Outstanding Male Artist
- 2023 Nominee, Outstanding International Song
- 2024 Nominee, Best Africa Music Artist
- 2023 Nominee, Afrobeats Artist of the Year
- 2024 Nominee, Best Afrobeats
- 2023 Nominee, Best Afrobeats
- 2022 Nominee, favorite Afrobeat artist
- 2024 Nominee, international male artist (Artista Masculino Internacional)
- 2023 Nominee, global artist (Artista Global)
- 202 Nominee, International Collaboration: Burna Boy feat Ed Sheeran (For My Hand)
- 2021 Nominee, International Collaboration: Burna Boy feat Wizkid (B. D’or)
- 2022 Nominee, International Revelation of the Year.
- 2022 Winner, Best African Music Act, Nigeria.
- 2022 Winner, Best International Act.
- 2021 Nominee, Best African Music Act.
- 2020 Nominee, Best African Act.
- 2020 Winner, Best African Act.
- Artist of the Year, 2019
- Song of the Year 2019
- Best Collaboration 2019
Burna Boy’s Record Label
Burna Boy was previously signed to the Aristokrat record label in 2010, but he left in 2014 to become a record label owner by founding Spaceship Entertainment. This decision marked a significant turning point in his musical career. However, despite having his record label, Spaceship Entertainment, Burna Boy is presently signed to Atlantic Records, an American record label.
Burna Boy Net Worth
Nigerian Artists, singers, songwriters, and producers have various ways of earning money in the music corridor, and Burna Boy is not an exemption. Burna Boy net worth is approximated to $22 Million which makes him one of the wealthiest Nigerian singers. Below is how he makes his money:
Music Sales and Streaming: His songs are available on streaming apps such as Spotify, YouTube Music, Apple Music, Audiomack, and other music platforms. Music enthusiasts can stream or download his music worldwide, and in return, he earns hugely.
Burna Boy’s most streamed hit songs include:
- Location ft Dave (500 million+ ) streams across music platforms.
- Last Last has over 430 million streams across music platforms.
- Own It ft Ed Sheeran has over 350 million streams across music platforms.
- Be Honest ft Jorja Smith has over 320 million streams across music platforms.
- On the low has over 300 million streams across music platforms.
Endorsement Deals: Endorsement deals with great and recognized brands both at home (Nigeria) and abroad. His partnership and collaboration with brands like Glo, Pepsi, Nike, Oraimo
Album Sales: Album sales are another mode of earning by Burna Boy, where his produced albums are made available for purchase. He has produced many albums, such as “Twice as Tall,” “African Giant,” “Outside,” “L.I.F.E,” etc.
Live Concerts: Burna Bso makes money by touring and staging live concerts or performances. His sold-out concerts earn him money and recognition worldwide. He has sold out concerts at 02 Arena, Afrochella, Coachella, etc.
Burna Boy’s Social Media
Social media is one of the easiest ways to reach a wider audience, and of course, most African artist avoid defying it because they deal primarily with the populace. The music they produce is to be listened to and streamed by the people, and in a social world, exploring social media platforms helps artists get their projects to their target audience.
As one of the raining artists with significant fanbase, below are Burna Boy’s social media handles with which he can be reached and information on his latest project can be gotten:
- Facebook: @Burna Boy
- Twitter: @burnaboy
- Instagram: @burnaboygram
Summary Profile of Burna Boy
| Name | Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu |
|---|---|
| Stage Name | Burna Boy |
| Father | Samuel Ogulu |
| Mother | Bose Ogulu |
| Siblings | 2 (Jehovah-Nissi and Ronami) |
| Date of Birth | July 2nd, 1991 |
| Gender | Male |
| Place of Birth | Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria |
| Age | 32 |
| Current Residence | Lagos State, Nigeria |
| State of Origin | Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Tribe | Yoruba |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Primary School | Montessori International School, Port Harcourt |
| Secondary School | Corona Secondary School, Agbara, Ogun State |
| University | University of Sussex and Oxford Brookes University |
| Profession | Singer, Songwriter, Songproducer |
| Net Worth | $17 million |
| @Burna Boy | |
| @burnaboygram | |
| @burnaboy |
