Burna Boy, a prominent Nigerian afro-fusion singer and songwriter, has made significant waves in the music industry. This comprehensive article delves into Burna Boy’s net worth, biography, his remarkable journey in the music world, and the accolades he’s received along the way.
Burna Boy
Burna Boy is not just any afro-fusion artist; he’s a top-tier figure in the Nigerian music scene. As the CEO of Spaceship Entertainment record label, he’s a name that resonates both locally and internationally. But what’s behind the stage name? Let’s explore:
Birth Name: Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu
Date and Place of Birth: Born on the 2nd of July 1991, in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Labels: Spaceship, Bad Habit, Atlantic, Warner Music
Educational Background: Burna Boy attended Corona Secondary School in Agbara, Nigeria.
The Early Years of Burna Boy
Burna Boy, born Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, entered the world as the first child of Mr. and Mrs. Ogulu in Ahaoda, Rivers State, Nigeria.
His connection to music was in his blood, with his grandfather being none other than Benson Idonije, the legendary Fela Kuti’s manager. Burna Boy’s journey into the world of music began at a remarkably young age – he was composing music by the age of 10, even using FruityLoops software borrowed from his schoolmates for music production.
While in secondary school, he formed a music band that performed at concerts, a clear sign of his early determination. He did head to London for further education, but his unwavering passion for music led him to drop out and pursue his true calling.
Recognizing Burna Boy’s dedication, his mother helped him secure an internship at a radio station. It was there that he nurtured his talents, regularly visiting the studio to record songs after work.
Notably, Burna Boy always had a generator in his car’s trunk as a backup, ensuring he could continue recording even if the studio’s power supply failed.
Burna Boy’s Rise to Fame
The turning point in Burna Boy’s career came in 2012 when he released the hit single “Like to Party” from his debut album “L.I.F.E.” The album made a remarkable debut, with 40,000 copies sold on the first day. It’s worth noting that they sold the marketing rights of the album to Uba Pacific for 10 million Naira.
The album was produced by Leriq and featured other prominent artists like 2face, M.I, Reminisce, Wizkid, Timaya, and Olamide. Listeners could hear echoes of Fela Kuti’s songs in the album, particularly in tracks like “King Sunny Ade” and “Bob Marley.” Music critics hailed “L.I.F.E,” and it even reached number 7 on the Billboard Reggae Albums Chart.
Burna Boy and Spaceship Entertainment
In 2014, Burna Boy parted ways with Aristokrat Records and, in 2015, established his own record label, Spaceship Entertainment. This move marked a significant step in his journey as an independent artist.
Album Releases and Acclaim
Following his transition to Spaceship Entertainment, Burna Boy released his second album, “On a Spaceship,” on the 25th of November 2015.
He continued to ascend in the music industry with his third studio album, “Outside,” released on the 26th of January 2018. “Outside” was unique as Burna Boy described it as a mixtape, blending Afro-beats, dancehall, reggae, and road rap. The album received acclaim and reached the third position on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart in February 2018.
On the 21st of March 2019, Burna Boy took another step in his music journey by releasing a 4-track EP titled “Steel & Copper” in collaboration with the Los Angeles-based electronic duo DJDS.
Burna Boy’s Endorsement Deals
In line with the tradition of Nigerian musicians being brand ambassadors, Burna Boy secured several endorsement deals. Notably, he became a brand ambassador for companies such as Globacom, Nigerian Breweries Plc, and Mortell Cognac.
Burna Boy’s Net Worth and Lifestyle
Apart from his international music stardom, Burna Boy’s net worth is significantly bolstered by endorsements, sold-out concert tickets, and his international and domestic performances. His estimated net worth is an impressive $10 million, a testament to his enduring influence in the music industry.
Burna Boy’s success is reflected in his affinity for quality and luxury, which is evident in his collection of cars. His fleet includes a Mercedes Benz valued at over 20 million Naira, a Range Rover Sports car worth over 18 million Naira, a G-Wagon, and a 2015 Lexus salon.
Awards and Nominations
Burna Boy’s talent and hard work have been celebrated in numerous awards and nominations, including:
• Nominated for “Next Rated” at The Headies in 2013.
• Nominee for “Best R&B Single” at The Headies 2014.
• Nominated for “Best R&B/Pop Album” for “L.I.F.E” at The Headies 2014.
• Nominee for “Hip Hop World Revelation of the Year” at The Headies 2014.
• Nominated for “Album of the Year” for “L.I.F.E” at The Headies 2014.
• Nominated for “Best Pop Artist of the Year” at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards in 2015.
Awards
Burna Boy’s achievements include:
• “Best New Act of the Year” at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards in 2013.
• “Best Pop” for his song “Like to Party” at the South Music Awards in 2013.
• “Best New Act” at the MTV Africa Music Awards in 2014.
• “Best Album of the Year” for “L.I.F.E” at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards in 2015.
• “Listener’s Choice” for “Ye” at the Soundcity M.V.P. Awards Festival in 2019.
• “Song of the Year” for “Ye” at the Soundcity M.V.P. Awards Festival in 2019.
• “Best Male M.V.P.” at the Soundcity M.V.P. Awards Festival in 2019.
• “African Artiste of the Year” at the Soundcity M.V.P. Awards Festival in 2019.
• “Best International Act” at the B.E.T. Awards in 2019.