Nigerian music superstar Burna Boy has openly declared that iconic Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti is the only African artist who stands above him, a claim that has ignited discussion across the global music community.
In an interview published Thursday, the Grammy-winning singer said: “There is only one African artist greater than me — and that is Fela Kuti.” This statement follows years of ongoing comparisons between the two artists across generational lines.
Burna Boy, whose real name is Damini Ogulu, made the remarks while reflecting on his legacy and influence in the Afropop and Afrobeat spheres. He underscored his ambition to tour further and break new records, adding that he measured his artistic place in relation to Fela’s enduring legacy.
Kuti, who passed away in 1997, remains an indelible figure in African music history—celebrated for his pan-African activism and musical innovation. By placing himself directly beneath that legacy, Burna Boy positions his career within a historic continuum.
