Fela Influenced Me, But Didn’t Inspire My Music Burna Boy Clarifies in Complex Interview!
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Fela Influenced Me, But Didn’t Inspire My Music Burna Boy Clarifies in Complex Interview!
Sele Media Africa
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Reported by David Joshua | Sele Media Africa Reporter
Nigerian music superstar Burna Boy Damini Ogulu has addressed the narrative around his musical influences in a recent interview, asserting that while Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti was a “big influence,” he did not consider Fela to be an inspiration in shaping his sound. This clarification came during a conversation with tennis icon Roger Federer as part of Complex’s GOAT Talk segment.
Burna Boy recalled that the first album he ever owned was by R&B artist Joe, given to him on his 10th birthday. He said Fela’s records entered his life through his grandfather, Benson Idonije (who once managed Fela). He also mentioned that other albums—such as Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter III and Tupac’s Makaveli—featured prominently in his formative listening years.
When Federer challenged him on which recordings had the greatest impact, Burna responded:
“Honestly, none. Fela was a big influence, but he didn’t inspire me.”
Citations:
- Nigeria World: nigeriaworld.com/news/source/2025/sep/25/51.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- PM News Nigeria: pmnewsnigeria.com/2025/09/25/fela-didnt-inspire-me-burna-boy/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- brandiconimage.com: www.brandiconimage.com/2025/09/burna-boy-says-he-was-not-inspired-by.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
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