Seunfunmi Joshua
Born Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, Burna Boy’s journey to stardom began early. Influenced by his grandfather, who managed Fela Kuti, and his father, who loved reggae and dancehall, Burna Boy was exposed to various music genres that would later shape his unique sound.
African Giant is the fourth studio album by Nigerian singer Burna Boy. The album was released on July 26, 2019, by Spaceship Entertainment, Bad Habit, Atlantic Records, and Warner Music. The album combines Afrobeats, Afrobeat, dancehall, pop, and hip-hop. It was produced primarily by Kel-P, along with production from Benjamz, Dre Skull, and Skrillex, among others.
The album features guest appearances from Jorja Smith, Jeremih, Damian Marley, Zlatan Ibile, Angelique Kidjo, Serani, M.anifest, YG and Future. It was supported by eight singles, including “On the Low”, which won Viewers’ Choice at the 2020 Soundcity MVP Awards Festival, “Killin Dem”, which won Song of the Year at the 2020 Soundcity MVP Awards Festival, among other awards; and “Anybody”, which Burna Boy performs on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
In the dynamic landscape of global music, few artists have managed to leave as profound an impact as Burna Boy. With his fourth studio Album “African Giant”; The Nigerian songwriter and performer cemented his place as a leading figure in Afrobeats while also bringing African music to the forefront of the global stage.
Here are some significant aspects of the “African Giant” album.
- Putting African Music In The Spotlight:
This idea of tracing all blackness back to the wellspring is the crux of Burna Boy’s Album “African Giant”. His mother’s words sampled from the BET speech, are the last ones spoken on the Album. Burna’s compositions are all based on something he has dubbed ‘Afro-fusion’ – a blend of pop, American hip-hop, R&B, and hard UK rap with Nigerian music.
He puts Africa at the root of that expanding lineage while pushing the more traditional sound forward. The Album is a splendid hour of jam.
- Major Awards Won By The Album
“African Giant” earned Burna Boy numerous awards and nominations, including a Grammy nomination for Best World Music Album, the first Afrobeats album to earn that. The album also won him the Best African Act at the 2019 MTV Europe Music Awards and Album of the Year at the All Africa Music Awards.
- Epitomizes The Uniqueness of African Culture
“African Giant” is more than just an album; it’s a cultural milestone that has redefined what it means to be an African artist in the global music industry. Through his music, Burna Boy has celebrated African culture, addressed important issues, and inspired countless others to do the same. As we look forward to his future endeavors, the significance of “African Giant” will undoubtedly continue to resonate for years to come.
- International Recognition
The “African Giant” Album gave African music more recognition on the international stage and added more value to the local music industry. It also educates international audiences and Africans on topics about the continent they never knew.
Wrapping Up,
Since the release of African Giant 5 years ago, Burna Boy has cemented his status as one of the biggest stars in the world. He has released 2 critically acclaimed projects “Love, Damini” and, “I Told Them”, and went on a world tour where he sold out stadiums and headlined some of the biggest festivals around the world.
A few days ago, he performed to more than 80K fans at his sold-out London Stadium show and then headlined at Glastonbury the next day. Fans and critics alike eagerly anticipate what Burna Boy will do next; with his track record of producing groundbreaking music, there is no doubt that his future projects will continue to push boundaries and shape the future of Afrobeats.
