Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, better known by his stage name Burnaboy, has been recognized as one of the 100 most influential figures by TIME magazine.
The 32-year-old Grammy award-winning artist has been categorized as an icon, sharing the list with notable personalities such as American entrepreneur Mark Cuban, renowned actress Taraji Henson, and Thelma Golden, who received a nomination from Michelle Obama.
Burnaboy’s nomination came from Angelique Kidjo, a respected figure in the music industry and a fellow Grammy laureate with five wins to her name.
Kidjo’s nomination statement, which secured Burnaboy’s place on the list, emphasized the importance of African music and culture. She stated, “A decade ago, I would advise young African musicians not to imitate American artists, but to embrace the incredible richness and beauty of our traditional African music and culture. This is the cradle of most modern music, and its endless source of inspiration, freshness, and elegance will undoubtedly capture the world’s attention.”
“Burna Boy has turned this vision into a global reality. Drawing inspiration from the mesmerizing drums of Nigerian folk music and honing his craft under the tutelage of great African singer-songwriters, he walks in the footsteps of Fela Kuti—the internationally acclaimed Afrobeats artist and activist.”
“Burna Boy’s unique flow and signature rhythm have captivated the world, marking a series of unprecedented achievements: in 2023, he became the first African artist to sell out a U.S. stadium, and in 2024, he became the first Afrobeats artist to perform at the Grammys.”
“He is making history. Now, an entire generation of young Africans looks up to him.”
In 2021, Kidjo herself was named one of TIME magazine’s 100 most influential people, acknowledging her significant contributions to music and her ability to blend cultures to create a unique and soulful sound.
Burna Boy and Angelique Kidjo have collaborated on several songs, including “Different” from Burna Boy’s Grammy-winning album “African Giant,” and Kidjo’s song “Do Yourself,” from her album “Mother Nature.”