Grammy award-winning Nigerian artist, Damini Ogulu, known as Burna Boy, has sparked another round of debate in the music scene after claiming that Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti is the only African musician greater than him.
The singer made this remark during a recent livestream with Australian content creator Playboymax, where he was seen enthusiastically singing and vibing to Fela’s iconic protest song, Coffin for Head of State.
In the course of the session, Burna Boy stated confidently, “He is the king. He is the only one [African artist] who is greater than me. He is the only one.”
His declaration quickly set social media abuzz, drawing varied reactions from fans and critics alike. The declaration marks a notable shift in Burna Boy’s tone regarding Fela Kuti’s influence. Only weeks earlier, the Grammy winner had sparked online criticism after stating that Fela did not directly inspire his music, though he admitted growing up listening to the late icon’s songs.
In that earlier interview, Burna Boy clarified that while Fela’s sound shaped Nigeria’s musical foundation, his own music was a product of personal evolution and global exposure.
The comments drew swift backlash from fans who accused him of downplaying Fela’s legacy, given that Afrobeat’s political and rhythmic elements are evident in Burna’s artistry.
However, his latest statement appears to reaffirm respect for the Afrobeat pioneer, recognising him as “the king” while positioning himself as Fela’s modern-day successor in the global Afro-fusion movement.
This is not the first time Burna Boy has made audacious claims about his place in African music history.
In August 2025, during an interview in London, the ‘City Boy’ hitmaker stated that he was “the best artist Nigeria has produced since Fela,” a remark that once again split opinion among music lovers
Earlier in his career, Burna Boy had also compared his achievements to those of other Nigerian music heavyweights like Wizkid and Davido, insisting that his global acclaim and sold-out shows in venues such as Madison Square Garden and London Stadium place him “on a different level.”
Despite criticism for perceived arrogance, his confidence appears rooted in a career marked by steady success and international recognition.
Since breaking into the limelight with ‘Like to Party’, the lead single from his 2013 debut album ‘L.I.F.E’, Burna Boy has built a reputation as one of Africa’s most influential artists.
In 2021, Burna Boy won the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album for ‘Twice As Tall’, becoming one of the few African artists to achieve such international recognition.
