The year 2019 was really a big year for Nigerian singer, Burna Boy who dropped his biggest album (fourth studio album) till date titled ‘African Giant’. He killed many shows, sold-out shows and was nominated by Grammy for the Best World Music Album which was won by African music legend, Angelique Kidjo. Although Burna Boy got praises from the Grammy Award winner and many music fans worldwide for getting a nomination, it has to be known that the singer and songwriter is still overrated.
Burna Boy Unto Big Things
Burna Boy with the real name Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu rose to prominence in 2012 after releasing the song titled ‘Like to Party’ which is the lead single from his debut studio album titled ‘L.I.F.E’ released in 2013. He has never slowed down since and has made some good music to our listening pleasure. He was signed by an international record label (Warner Music Group and Atlantic Records) in 2017 and then became international.
Burna Boy went on to big things in 2019 as the afrobeat artist won the Best International Act at the 2019 BET Awards, and was announced as Apple Music’s Up Next Artist. His fourth studio album, African Giant brought more success as he won many local, continental, and was nominated for music most coveted prize i.e. Grammy Award 2020.
Burna Boy Is Overrated
Although Burna Boy has been active in the Nigerian music scene since 2012, he only made it as one of the biggest Nigerian acts in 2019. The artist and many of his followers has since claimed he’s the best artist from this part of the world whereas, it’s just a hype to say he’s the best.
In a recent tweet, the ‘Ye’ crooner claimed no one paved way for him to reach where has reached in his career. He has failed to acknowledge that he has actually been sampling the works of Afro-beat legend, Fela Kuti. He has also forgotten that the likes of Dbanj, Wizkid, and Davido has been given us more recognition before his breakthrough year.
For him to have been nominated for the prestigious Grammy Award doesn’t mean he rates higher than other Nigerian and African music artists. Rating him above the likes of 2baba, Wizkid, Dbanj, Olamide, and Dbanj is uncalled for. He has even been compared with Fela-Anikulapo-Kuti by many, but the truth be told, he’s far from ‘Abami Eda‘.
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In terms of consistency in the Nigerian music industry, Burna Boy still has to learn from many. When it comes to lyrical contents, Burna Boy is below some other Nigerian artists like Asa and 2face.
Burna Boy is neither the first Nigerian artist to be nominated for Grammy Award (Femi Kuti & King Sunny Ade has been here) nor the first artist to have international recognition by selling out venues and having international collaborations (Wizkid & Davido had laid the foundation). He just has to know that some have been where he has aspired to be.
When it comes to fanbase, he’s also learning compared to several of Nigerian music stars. Those who rates him high above other talented acts because of the Grammy nomination should they are only overrating him. He hasn’t done more than many of his predecessors in the music industry.
Although Burna Boy is still a force to be reckoned with and his Grammy nomination will make him do more, he’s fans just have to calm down and don’t overrate him. He also has to swallow his pride and give honour to whom honour is due. Oluwa Burna as he is fondly called is definitely one of the biggest acts from this part of the world but still a step below some Nigerian artists so shouldnt be overrated.
Let’s have your view on this topic in the comment section. Thanks for taking time in reading this piece.