Burna Boy clarifies that while Fela Kuti was a “big influence,” his true musical inspiration came from artists like Joe, Lil Wayne, and Tupac.
Grammy-winning Nigerian superstar, Burna Boy, has sparked debate after clarifying that, contrary to popular belief, Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti was not his direct source of inspiration.
In a recent conversation with tennis icon Roger Federer, the African Giant crooner acknowledged that Fela’s music was part of his upbringing but insisted it did not shape his creative direction.
“The first album I ever got was Joe’s record as a gift for my 10th birthday,” Burna Boy said, recalling his earliest encounters with music. He further revealed that his grandfather, Benson Idonije — who was Fela’s first manager — gave him one of the Afrobeat pioneer’s albums.
The artist added that albums like Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter III and Tupac’s Makaveli also defined his childhood soundtrack. When Federer asked which record had the greatest impact, Burna Boy replied:
“Honestly, none,” before clarifying, “Fela was a big influence on me.”
His comments have since drawn mixed reactions, as Burna Boy has openly sampled Fela’s work in hit songs such as Ye, My Money, My Baby, and Gbona. Many fans say the statement contradicts the heavy Afrobeat undertones that run through his music.
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