Burna Boy reveals only musician greater than him

Grammy Award-winning Nigerian singer Burna Boy has stated that the late Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, is the only musician he regards as greater than himself.

The “African Giant” made the bold claim during a live streaming session with American content creator PlaqueBoyMax, where he reflected on Fela’s lasting impact on African music and culture.

In a viral clip from the conversation, Burna Boy is seen vibing to Fela’s 1981 protest classic, Coffin for Head of State, before declaring: “He is the king. He is the only one greater than me.”

The comment has since stirred reactions on social media, with many fans and critics describing it as both a tribute to Fela and a testament to Burna Boy’s confidence in his musical stature.

The declaration follows recent remarks by Burna Boy clarifying that, while Fela’s legacy influenced the world he grew up in, his own music was not directly shaped by the Afrobeat pioneer’s sound.

“Fela’s music was always around me as a child — it was part of the atmosphere,” Burna Boy said in an earlier interview. “But my sound came from my own experiences and evolution.”

Born Damini Ogulu, Burna Boy shot to fame with his 2012 breakout hit Like to Party from his debut album L.I.F.E (2013). Over the years, he has become one of Africa’s most celebrated artistes, known for blending Afrobeat, dancehall, reggae, and pop into his unique Afro-fusion style.

His discography includes several acclaimed projects such as On a Spaceship (2015), Outside (2018), African Giant (2019), Twice As Tall (2020), Love, Damini (2022), and I Told Them (2023).

In 2021, Burna Boy’s Twice As Tall won the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album, cementing his global reputation.

Continuing his dominance, the singer released his eighth studio album, No Sign of Weakness, in July 2025, further establishing his influence in contemporary African music.

With his latest comment, Burna Boy once again acknowledges Fela Kuti’s revolutionary legacy — while asserting his own place as a torchbearer of modern Afrobeat on the global stage.