Grammy-winning Nigerian singer, Damini Ogulu, better known by his stage name Burna Boy, has been named one of the 100 Most Influential People of 2024 by Time Magazine. This prestigious recognition honors individuals who have significantly impacted the world through their artistry, activism, and cultural influence.
Burna Boy’s inclusion on the list comes as no surprise. He has been a leading force in bringing Afrobeats, a genre with roots in Nigerian folk traditions, to a global audience. Legendary Beninese singer Angelique Kidjo penned Burna Boy’s tribute on Time’s website. She praised him for “making that vision [global acceptance of African music] a global reality” and carrying forward the legacy of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti. Kidjo went on to say, “He is history in the making.”
This recognition adds to Burna Boy’s recent string of achievements. He recently secured a spot on the inaugural Essence Magazine’s Sexiest Men Of The Moment list, further solidifying his status as a global icon.