In a massive win for African music, The African Giant Burna Boy has been crowned one of the 100 Most Influential People of 2024 by TIME Magazine! This prestigious honour recognizes Burna Boy’s undeniable impact on the global stage, celebrating his artistry, unique stage performance, and cultural influence.
This recognition celebrates individuals who have profoundly impacted the world through their artistry, social activism, and cultural influence. Burna Boy’s inclusion marks a significant moment for African music, taking its rightful place on the global stage.
Adding a special touch to this honour, the tribute for Burna Boy was penned by none other than the legendary Grammy-winning musician Angelique Kidjo. In a heartfelt piece, Kidjo hailed Burna Boy for his unwavering dedication to his African roots.
“Ten years ago,” Angelique Kidjo writes, “I would tell young African musicians, ‘You don’t need to mimic American artists! The world needs the amazing richness and beauty of our traditional African music and our culture.'”
Praising Burna Boy for making this vision a reality, Angelique Kidjo continues, “Burna Boy has made that vision a global reality. Inspired by the fantastic drums of Nigerian folk music, and studied in the craft of the great African singer-songwriters, he follows in the footsteps of Fela Kuti. He is history in the making.”
This mutual admiration between Burna Boy and Angelique Kidjo is noteworthy. Interestingly, Burna Boy himself returned the favour by writing a tribute to another music icon, 21 Savage, who also made the TIME list.
Burna Boy’s inclusion on the TIME list is a powerful testament to the global impact of Afrobeats and the cultural influence of African music. This achievement undoubtedly paves the way for future generations of African artists to rise and share their unique talents with the world.