Burna Boy

Burna Boy Biography

Date of Birth: July 2, 1991

Country of Origin: Nigeria

Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer

Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, known professionally as Burna Boy, was born on July 2, 1991, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Raised in a musically inclined family, with his grandfather Benson Idonije managing Fela Kuti and his mother Bose Ogulu (Mama Burna), later becoming his manager, Burna was immersed in Afrobeat and reggae influences from a young age. He began making music at 10, using FruityLoops to create beats, and attended secondary school in Lagos before studying media technology in the UK. His early exposure to artists like Fela Kuti, Bob Marley, and DMX shaped his genre-blending style.

Returning to Nigeria in 2011, Burna Boy signed with Aristokrat Records, releasing his debut mixtape, Burn Notice in 2011 and Burn Identity in 2012. His breakthrough came with the 2012 single Like to Party from his debut album L.I.F.E (2013), which sold 40,000 copies on its first day. After leaving Aristokrat, he founded Spaceship Entertainment in 2015, releasing On a Spaceship and Redemption EP, with hits like Soke and Pree Me. His ability to fuse Afrobeat, dancehall, and reggae, often with socially conscious lyrics, earned him a loyal following.

Burna Boy’s global ascent began with his 2018 album Outside, featuring the hit Ye, which gained international acclaim. His 2019 album African Giant solidified his status, earning a Grammy nomination and winning Album of the Year at the All Africa Music Awards. In 2020, Twice as Tall won the Grammy for Best Global Music Album, making him the first Nigerian artist with back-to-back nominations. Collaborations with artists like Stormzy, Sam Smith, and Beyoncé on The Lion King: The Gift further elevated his profile, with the Jerusalema remix boosting his global streams to over 2 billion.

As of 2025, Burna Boy, with an estimated net worth of $17–$22 million, continues to dominate with albums like Love, Damini (2022) and I Told Them (2023), featuring hits like Last Last and City Boys. Unmarried, private about his personal life, and often linked to British rapper Stefflon Don, he remains focused on music and advocacy for African culture. With 50+ awards, including BET, MOBO, and Grammys, Burna Boy is a trailblazer.

Follow him on Instagram (@burnaboygram)