Burna Boy, the acclaimed Afrobeat artist, whose real name is Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, has been recognized as one of the Most Influential People of 2024.
He was included in the prestigious list of the Top 100 Most Influential People of 2024 by Times Magazine.
The publication carefully deliberated for months to determine the individuals who have had the greatest impact on shaping the narratives of the year for the TIME 100 list.
Angelique Kidjo, the Grammy-winning singer, recently penned a tribute to Burna Boy, acknowledging his significant contribution to the music industry.
In her tribute, she emphasized the importance of preserving and showcasing the unique richness and beauty of traditional African music.
Kidjo revealed that in the past when young African musicians sought her advice, she would advise them against imitating American artists. She firmly believed that the world needed to experience the captivating essence of African music.
According to Kidjo, Burna Boy has successfully embodied this vision and transformed it into a global reality. She commended his exceptional talent, describing his music as deeply original and his style as a signature groove.
Burna Boy’s remarkable achievements have not gone unnoticed. In 2023, he became the first African artist to sell out a stadium in the United States, and in 2024, he made history as the first Afrobeats artist to perform at the prestigious Grammy Awards.
Kidjo’s tribute serves as a testament to Burna Boy’s immense impact on the music industry. His groundbreaking accomplishments have not only elevated his career but have also paved the way for other African artists to gain recognition on a global scale.
In a statement released on Wednesday, April 17, Times magazine said:
“We spend months discussing who belongs on the TIME100, the people who we believe most changed the stories that define the past year.”
Penning a glowing tribute to Burna Boy, multi-Grammy-winning singer Angelique Kidjo said:
“Ten years ago or so when young African musicians would come to me for advice, I would tell them, ‘You don’t need to mimic American artists! The world needs the amazing richness and beauty of our traditional African music and our culture.
This land is where most of modern music comes from. This source of inspiration is inexhaustible. Its freshness and its elegance will get the world’s attention for sure.’
Recall that the Grammy-winning Nigerian musician Damini Ogulu, known as Burna Boy, celebrated March 2nd as his day in Boston, Massachusetts, United States.
According to the Etikonaija, the Boston City Council has designated March 2nd as Burna Boy’s Day to honor the singer’s “performances and advocacy works.”
On Saturday, the Boston City Council awarded the singer a plaque during the city leg of his ‘I Told Them’ tour.
Burna Boy posted a photo of himself hoisting the plaque on stage via X,
He wrote:
“I feel incredibly honoured and privileged! Thank you Boston!
“The goal has always been the same, to bring the world together. We are all so different but all the same!
“2nd of March a.k.a Burna Boy Day.”
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