In a world where music transcends borders and unites cultures, Nigerian singer Burna Boy has been recognized by Time Magazine as one of the top 100 most influential people of 2024. He is featured in the icons section, alongside iconic figures who have left their mark on history through their art and activism.
This prestigious acknowledgment was celebrated by the legendary Beninese singer Angelique Kidjo, a multi-Grammy award winner, who penned a heartfelt tribute to Burna Boy. In her words, she describes the artist as a history-maker, an inspiration to African youth, and praises his commitment to drawing from the roots of African folk music, following in the footsteps of Nigerian Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti.
Angelique Kidjo, in her praise, recalls a conversation from a decade ago, where she encouraged young African musicians to embrace the richness and beauty of their culture, rather than imitating American artists. Today, Burna Boy embodies this vision by propelling African music onto the global stage with an original touch inspired by the mesmerizing rhythms of Nigerian folk music.
Burna Boy’s journey to this international recognition has been marked by resounding successes. In 2023, he became the first African artist to sell out a stadium in the United States, and in 2024, he became the first Afrobeats artist to perform at the Grammy Awards. These achievements mark a turning point in music history and inspire an entire generation of young Africans to dream big and believe in their potential.
Since bursting onto the international scene in 2018, Burna Boy has been one of the biggest names in global music. His Grammy-nominated 2019 album, ‘African Giant’, not only solidified his fame but also catalyzed major collaborations, including with Angelique Kidjo on the track ‘Different’, alongside Damian Marley.
The year 2021 also saw Angelique Kidjo inviting Burna Boy to feature on her Grammy-nominated song, ‘Do Yourself’, further cementing the creative symbiosis between these two giants of contemporary African music.
By being included in Time Magazine’s 2024 Top 100 Most Influential People list, Burna Boy reaffirms his status as a global ambassador for African music and paves the way for a new era where musical boundaries fade away to celebrate diversity and cultural authenticity.
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