Fela Kuti Is the Only African Greater Than Me – Burna Boy Boasts

Grammy-winning Nigerian singer, Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, has declared that the late Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, is the only African musician greater than him.

The self-acclaimed “African Giant” made the statement during a recent livestream chat with Australian content creator and streamer, Playboymax, where he discussed his musical journey, global dominance, and his place in Africa’s music history.

“He [Fela Kuti] is the king. He is the only one [African artist] who is greater than me. He is the only one,” Burna Boy said confidently during the broadcast.

The singer’s remark has since ignited a storm of reactions across social media, with many fans debating whether his self-assessment was justified.

While some fans applauded Burna Boy’s confidence and acknowledged his global success, others described the statement as “overreaching” and “self-glorifying,” arguing that other African greats, both past and present, also deserve recognition.

One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Burna Boy is great, but calling himself second only to Fela is a bit much. What about legends like Hugh Masekela, Youssou N’Dour, Angelique Kidjo, or even 2Baba?”

Another user defended him, saying, “Numbers don’t lie. Burna Boy is the most streamed African artist right now. Let’s give him his flowers.”

Fela’s Influence on Burna Boy

Burna Boy has often spoken about Fela Kuti’s profound influence on his music, stagecraft, and political consciousness.

The Port Harcourt-born singer, who won a Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album in 2021 for Twice as Tall, has incorporated Fela’s Afrobeat rhythms and social activism themes into many of his songs.

His mother, Bose Ogulu, who also serves as his manager, is the daughter of Benson Idonije, Fela Kuti’s first band manager, a connection Burna Boy has frequently described as “a source of pride and heritage.”

Ongoing Debate Over Africa’s Greatest Artists

Burna Boy’s statement has once again rekindled the long-standing debate about who holds the title of Africa’s greatest artist of all time, a conversation that often features names like Fela Kuti, Miriam Makeba, Angelique Kidjo, Wizkid, and Davido, among others.

Music analysts note that while Burna Boy’s influence on modern Afrobeats is undeniable, Fela’s pioneering role in shaping the sound and using music as a tool for activism still places him in a unique class.

“Fela created a genre, a movement, and a political voice for Africa,” a cultural commentator told The PUNCH. “Burna Boy is carrying that torch, but Fela remains untouchable in terms of legacy.”

Since his global breakthrough with hits like Ye, Anybody, and Last Last, Burna Boy has become one of Africa’s most successful musical exports, headlining sold-out concerts at Madison Square Garden, London Stadium, and Citi Field in New York.

His chart-topping collaborations with international stars, including Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, and J Balvin, have further cemented his reputation as a global music powerhouse.

Still, Burna insists that despite his success, Fela Kuti remains the ultimate icon.

“He’s the king. There’s nobody else,” he reiterated during the livestream, smiling with admiration.