Multi talented afrobeat artist, Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, popularly known as Burna boy has been included in the icons section of the times magazine as one of the most influential persons in 2024.
The times magazine makes an annual compilation of individuals and organizations who have been making or who have made significant impacts to the world through their various skills and crafts, the list includes people in six categories. Titans, Innovators, Pioneers, Artists, leaders and icons, and Burna boy made it to the category of icons.
Acknowledging the artist’s achievement, renowned Beninese singer and Burna boy’s grammy contender, Angelique Kidjo showered him with praises in a tribute which she wrote on the times website describing the artist as a history making artiste, she wrote “Ten years ago or so, when young African artists would come to me for advice, i would tell them ,’ you don’t need to mimic American artists ‘ the world needs the uniqueness and richness of our beautiful African music and our culture. this land is where most of modern music comes from, the source of inspiration is inexhaustible, its freshness and elegance gets the world’s attention for sure. Burna boy has made that vision a global reality, inspired by the fantastic drums of Nigerian folk music and studied in the craft of the great Nigerian singer -songwriters.
“He follows in the footsteps of Fela Kuti- the internationally celebrated afrobeat artiste and activist. Burna boys deeply original flow and his signature groove have conquered the world with an impressive series of firsts in 2023 , he became the first African artist to sell out a US stadium and in 2024 he became the first afrobeats artist to sing at the grammys. he is a history in the making, now a whole generation of young people from the continent is looking up to him” she wrote.
In addition to being a grammy winner, the artist artist has a lot of other nominations and has been recognized as the first black afrobeat artist to perform at the 66th grammy award ceremony, and was also ranked among the world’s sexiest men last week by essence magazine.
Also his impact on the music industry and cultural landscape has cemented his status as one of Africa’s most influential and successful musicians.
Burna boy rose to fame after his hit single ‘ like to party got a wide recognition in the Nigerian entertainment scene and ever since then the artist has always been ranked among the top biggest acts in the Nigerian music industry alongside the likes of Davido, Wizkid and Olamide.
Other Nigerians who made it to the list of the most influential people in 2024 are, Skepta, a British-Nigerian rapper and Damson Idris, Writing on the times magazine website, Burna boy acknowledged 21 savage and other foreign artists who have helped pushed his journey into the international scene. He wrot3e “like 21 savage i know what it takes to move above challenging beginnings, i had the the privilege of sharing one of my most significant mile stones with 21 performing with him at the grammys.
