Burna Boy, whose real name is Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, is a renowned Nigerian singer, songwriter, and Grammy-winning artist. He rose to international fame with his unique blend of Afrobeat, reggae, and dancehall music styles, captivating audiences worldwide. He was born on 2nd July 1991 making him 32 years old.
Burna Boy Biography
| Full Names: | Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu |
| Known as: | Burna Boy, The African Giant |
| Date of Birth: | 2nd July 1991 |
| Age: | 32 Years Old |
| Place of Birth: | Port Harcourt, Rivers State – Nigeria |
| Place of Growth: | Port Harcourt, Rivers State – Nigeria |
| Profession: | Songwriter, Musician, Philanthropist |
Burna Boy Family
Burna Boy is the firstborn of three siblings (Him + 2 younger sisters)
His sisters are called:
- Ronami ‘Roni’ Ogulu (His Creative Director)
- Nissi Ogulu (She is also a Musician, artist and was also part of the designing and engineering team of the 2022 Range Rover.
His Father managed a welding company.
His Mother called Bose Ogulu first worked as a translator and French teacher before becoming his manager.
His Grandfather – Benson Idonije was the manager of Afrobeat legend – Fela Kuti.
Burna Boy Education
Burna Boy attended Corona Secondary School located in Agbara (Ogun State) in Nigeria.
He later relocated to London to further his studies.
He then applied to study Media Technology at the University of Sussex located in England.
But he didn’t show up because he was more focused on his music.
Burna Boy Music Journey
His stage name ‘Burna Boy‘ came up when he wanted to be a superhero.
He was fascinated with cartoons, comics and art so he picked ‘Burna Boy‘ as his superhero name.
Burna Boy started making songs from what he could have as could get beats from video games and movies.
He then came across a cracked version of FL Studio (formerly Fruity Loops), where he started making his own beats and instrumentals.
His mother knew that he would not be good in academics but his love for music was present.
He also set up a music band where they performed at school functions.
One of the school directors called her mother and told her;
“Mrs. Ogulu, Your son is going to be a superstar. Mark my words, he is going to be very big & very rich. Get ready for fame and fortune.”
He spent most of his youth listening to the late American musician; Earl Simmons also known as DMX.
He started his music professionally in 2010 on a label basis with his mother as his manager.
He later released two mixtapes;
- Burn Notice (2011)
- Burn Identity (2012)
Debut album: L.I.F.E (Leaving an Impact For Eternity)
Burna Boy released his debut album titled L.I.F.E (Leaving an Impact For Eternity) on 12th August 2013 by Aristokrat Records.
It sold 40,000 copies on its first day of release.
The debut album featured guest artists such as 2Face Idibia, Olamide, Reminisce, and Wizkid among others.
It peaked at number 7 on the Billboard Reggae Album Chart in August 2013.
It was also ranked 10th out of 12 best albums of 2013 by Nigerian Entertainment Today.
Aristokrat Records later sold the album marketing rights to Uba Pacific for N10 Million ($24,125) in 2014.
Burna Boy later split from Aristokrat Records in 2014.
In February 2015 (8 months later), Burna Boy founded Spaceship Entertainment, a record label and publishing company.
2nd Album: On a Spaceship
Burna Boy released his 2nd album titled On a Spaceship on 25th November 2015.
The 20-track album contained features from Nyanda, Wizkid, AKA, Phyno, Flavour, Wande Coal, Kid X and Da Les.
It was released under Spaceship Entertainment.
EP: Redemption
It was later followed by his EP debut titled; Redemption.
The 7-track EP was released on 23rd September 2016 under Spaceship Entertainment.
In 2017, his mother became his full-time Manager.
He also signed a record deal with Atlantic Records.
3rd Album: Outside
Burna Boy later released his third studio album titled Outside on 26th January 2018.
It was released under Spaceship Entertainment, Bad Habit & Atlantic Records.
The album featured guest vocals from J Hus, Lilly Allen and Mabel.
The 13-track album contains his hit song ‘Ye‘ which is the biggest single from the album.
Burna Boy recorded the single while in a club after he was approached by a friend while partying,
His friend insisted that he has a producer who has a fire beat that would work best for him.
After being pressured by the friend, Burna Boy went to the studio located upstairs in the club,
He ended up loving the beat and recorded ‘Ye‘ in less than 20 minutes and spent hours listening to it.
The album debuted at number 3 on the Billboard Reggae Album Chart in February 2018.
He was announced as one of Spotify’s New Afrohub Takeover artist on 9th October 2018.
He was also named YouTube Artist on the Rise for 3 months (October – December) in 2018.
Burna Boy was later displayed on Times Square for his great achievement.
4th Album: I Told Them
Burna Boy released his fourth studio album on Friday, 25th August 2023.
The album has 15 tracks with features from GZA, 21 Savage, Dave, Seyi Vibez, RZA, J Cole and Byron Messia.
Coachella
Burna Boy was also announced along with Mr. Eazi as one of the artists performing at the 2019 Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival held in Coachella Valley.
He later complained to Coachella for printing his name too small on the lineup poster.
“@coachella I really appreciate you. But I don’t appreciate the way my name is written so small in your bill. I am an AFRICAN GIANT and will not be reduced to whatever that tiny writing means. Fix tings quick please.”
Via His Instagram Story
He was then featured on Beyonce’s album; The Lion King: The Gift released in 2019.
He became the first Afrobeat star to sell out OVO Arena Wembley formerly Wembley Arena.
4th Album: African Giant
Burna Boy later released his fourth album; African Giant on 26th July 2019.
The 19-track album featured artists such as Future, YG, Zlatan, Jorja Smith, M.anifest, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, Angelique Kidjo, Jeremih & Serani.
It contains one of his biggest songs; On the Low.
The album debuted at No: 16 on the UK album chart and became the highest-ranking African album.
He then recorded My Money, My Baby a track that appeared on Queen & Slim’s Soundtrack album.
5th Album: Twice As Tall
On 14th August 2020, Burna Boy released his fifth studio album titled Twice As Tall.
He wanted to name the album; African Giant: Part 2 but as African Giant did well, he didn’t want to put the pressure on this album.
The 15-track album featured artists such as Youssou N’Dour, Naughty By Nature, Chris Martin, Sauti Sol and Stormzy.
The album was executive produced by Sean John Combs ‘P.Diddy’ and Burna Boy’s mother; Bose Ogulu.
All the executive production by Diddy was done on Zoom.
Diddy consulted Anderson Paak for drum elements and Mike Dean & Timbaland as producers.
He has continued to release chart-topping songs and sell out stadiums like the 02 Arena.
6th Album: Love Damini
On 8th July 2022, Burna Boy released his 6th studio album titled Love Damini. Damini is his first name.
The 19-track album featured artists such as Ladysmith Black Mambazo, J Hus, Victony, Popcaan, Blxst, Kehlani, Ed Sheeran, J Balvin and Khalid.
The album contains hit songs such as Kilometre, Jagele, Last Last, It’s Plenty, For My Hand (Feat. Ed Sheeran) among others.
The album recorded the following achievements:-
- It’s officially the highest-charting Nigerian album of all time on the Billboard 200 Chart.
- It’s the highest charting album by a Nigerian artist in US iTunes history ( Number 2 peak).
- It broke the record for most simultaneous entries in Billboard US Afrobeats Songs chart history (23), charting every song from ‘Love, Damini‘.
- It officially debuted at number 2 on the UK Albums Chart. It became the highest-charting African album of all time.
Burna Boy Awards
Burna Boy won the Album of the Year award at the 2018 Nigerian Entertainment Awards.
He also won the most wins in the 2019 Soundcity MVP Awards held in Lagos, Nigeria.
- Best Artiste of the Year
- Listeners Choice Award
- Song Of the Year
(Killing Dem – Burna Boy ft. Zlatan)
- Best Male MVP
After being nominated for a Grammy in 2020, He won the award for Best Global Music Album Category at the 63rd Grammy Award in 2021 for Twice as Tall Album
He also won Best International Act at the MOBO Awards on 9th December 2020, defeating Drake, Megan Thee Stallion, Lil Baby and Roddy Ricch.
He has won the BET Award for Best International Act for 4 years in a row (2019, 2020, 2021 & 2023).
Burna Boy Stadium Performances
Burna Boy became the first African musician to sell out Madison Square Garden on 28th April 2022 with an attendance capacity of 20,789.
On December 18, 2022, Burna Boy held his first concert in Jamaica at the Jamaica National Stadium.
Burna Boy became the first African musician to perform at the UEFA Champions League Final Kick-Off Show that was held at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey.
Burna Boy Relationship with Stefflon Don
Burna Boy and Stefflon Don later confirmed their split via Instagram on the 22nd December 2021 after 3 years of dating.
“FYI ODUGWU NOR GET WIFE”
Burna Boy Relationship with Jada Kingdom
Burna Boy House Tour
He owns a two-storey building located on a 13,000 sq. foot land in Lekki; Nigeria.
The house contains paintings done by his younger sister; Nissi Ogulu.
- Ground Floor
The main door opens up to a Waiting Room majorly for visitors.
It then proceeds to ‘The Burna Room‘ which is his favorite room in the house.
He comes to the room to get his inspiration.
It also contains a family wall that contains pictures of his parents, Grandma and others.
It then proceeds to a spacious living room with an amazing view of the pool.
The outdoor side contains an engraved pool with his stage name; African Giant.
His idea was to make the swimming pool look as if it was going inside the house.
Beside it is a modified sunk-in lounge; where he normally holds parties & barbecues.
Adjacent to the living room is the dining room, which can accommodate up to 6 people.
The next room is a bar, which he terms as ‘Very Important’.
- First Floor
On the first floor, it starts with his younger sister’s Ronami (Roni) room.
Then proceeds to his other sister: Nissi room.
- Second Floor
The Second floor starts with his little spot, It contains a little living room, an award
section and a little bar area.
It proceeds to an outdoor space known as The Garden Of Burna.
It contains a ‘jungle‘ where he comes and prays every day.
It then proceeds to an indoor section where there is a Cinema / Movie Theatre.
The same floor contains his bedroom fitted with a king-size bed and a sofa.
The bedroom also contains a walk-in closet filled with many sneakers & clothes.
The second floor also has a false door that opens up to his full studio.
Burna Boy Tattoo Tour
Burna Boy started getting tattoos when he was 15 years old.
He believes that he should be able to see someone’s tattoos and know who he/she is.
He has various tattoos on different body parts with different meanings eg:-
- He has the whole of Psalms 38 (Bible Chapter) tattooed on the inner side of his right arm. He got the tattoo when he was in a dark place, he felt like he wrote it due to its relatability.
- He has the name ‘Rockstar‘ tattooed on the front of his hands. It reads Rockstar both straight and upside down.
- Another tattoo he has is the name ‘God’s Love‘. (Gods – On the right & Love – on the left). He feels God’s love is the fuel of the earth.
- He also has the tattoo of the late Fela Kuti; the pioneer of Afrobeat. He considers him (Fela Kuti) as the Best Musician to ever live.
- Other tattoos that he has are L.I.F.E (his debut album), Nigeria Court of Arms, Pablo Escobar’s Plane, his late best friend’s name (Gabriel Serunkuma – ‘Gambo’), Aristrokrat records logo & Scarface Stewie.
Burna Boy Car Collection
Burna Boy owns various vehicles that he has acquired during his music career.
He bought two vehicles in a span of two weeks back in 2019.
- 2015 Ferrari 458
He bought a 2015 Ferrari 458 Italia with an estimated price of ($245K – $270K).
Its top speed is 340 Km/h (210mph) powered by a 4.5L V8 gas engine.
- Rolls Royce Dawn
He later bought a Rolls Royce Dawn which is powered by a 6.6L V12 twin-turbo engine.
- 2022 Lamborghini Urus Novitec Edition
He recently acquired a 2022 Lamborghini Urus Novitec Edition.
It is equipped with a twin-turbo, 4.0-liter eight-cylinder engine.
It slings itself from 0 – 100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds.
He recently acquired two new cars: Lamborghini Aventador SVJ and Maybach Benz.
He also revealed that his custom Bugatti is in the process of being built.
Other Information
His song Destiny was included in the playlist at the inauguration of US President; Joe Biden.
He said he had been mistaken and called either 2 Chainz or Migos while in US & London.
Burna Boy’s Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who is Burna Boy?
Burna Boy, whose real name is Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, is a renowned Nigerian singer, songwriter, and Grammy-winning artist. He rose to international fame with his unique blend of Afrobeat, reggae, and dancehall music styles, captivating audiences worldwide.
- How old is Burna Boy?
Burna Boy is 32 Years old.
- When was Burna Boy born?
Burna Boy was born on 2nd July 1991.
- What are Burna Boy's major and notable achievements?
Burna Boy has garnered widespread recognition for his remarkable achievements. His journey to success includes winning the prestigious “Best Global Music Album” at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards for his album “Twice as Tall” in 2021. This accolade solidified his position as a prominent figure in the music industry as one of Nigeria’s most successful and influential musical exports.
- When did Burna Boy start his music career?
Burna Boy’s musical career took off in 2010 when he released his debut studio album titled “L.I.F.E: Leaving an Impact for Eternity.” Since then, he has been consistently delivering captivating melodies, and thought-provoking lyrics as well as impressed both fans and critics with his musical prowess.
- How many albums does Burna Boy have?
Burna Boy has six studio albums namely:
- L.I.F.E (Living an Impact For Eternity)
- On a Spaceship, Outside
- African Giant
- Twice as Tall
- Love Damini
- What sets Burna Boy apart from other artists?
Burna Boy’s unique ability to seamlessly blend diverse musical genres effortlessly, creating a distinctive and captivating sound and infusing social and political messages into his songs sets him apart from other artists. His thought-provoking lyrics, strong and powerful vocal presence, charismatic performances, and magnetic stage presence further add to his appeal.
- Has Burna Boy collaborated with other musicians?
Absolutely! Burna Boy has collaborated with numerous internationally renowned artists, further showcasing his versatility and global appeal. Some of his notable collaborations include appearances with Wizkid, Stormzy, Jorja Smith, and Ed Sheeran.
- Does Burna Boy advocate for social and political issues?
Yes, Burna Boy is known for being passionate about using his platform to advocate for social justice and political causes. Through his music, he addresses topics such as corruption, police brutality, the struggles faced by Africans, championing positive change, awareness and betterment of African communities.
- Besides the Grammy, has Burna Boy received other awards?
Certainly! Burna Boy has received several prestigious awards, including multiple BET Awards, MTV Europe Music Awards, MTV Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA Award among others. These accolades affirm his impact and influence within the music industry.
- How does Burna Boy engage and connect with his fanbase?
Burna Boy maintains a strong connection with his fans through active participation on social media platforms, where he shares updates on his music, life, behind-the-scenes glimpses and philanthropic endeavors. His authentic and engaging approach fosters a loyal and supportive fan community.
- Is Burna Boy involved in charitable endeavors?
Yes, Burna Boy is known for his active involvement in philanthropic activities, especially in Nigeria and other African countries. He has shown support for initiatives that promote education, healthcare, and youth empowerment for a brighter future.
- What can we expect from Burna Boy in the future?
As Burna Boy’s career continues to soar, we can anticipate more exceptional soul-stirring music, thought-provoking messages, and exciting collaborations. His passion for creating meaningful music and contributing to positive change makes him an artist to watch for years to come.
- How many cars does Burna Boy have?
Burna Boy owns various vehicles that he has acquired during his music career.
They include; a 2015 Ferrari 458 Italia, a Rolls Royce Dawn, a 2022 Lamborghini Urus Novitec Edition, a Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, a Maybach Benz and a Custom Bugatti among others.
- Is Burna Boy dating Jada Kingdom?
Burna Boy is rumored to be dating Jada Kingdom after he said in a song that he bought a Birkin bag for Jada Kingdom.
- Who is Jada Kingdom?
Jada Kingdom is a Jamaican dancehall–R&B singer, Model, Actress among other titles.
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