Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Burna Boy has dismissed claims that Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti directly inspired his music, despite acknowledging the late legend’s influence on his life.
In a recent conversation with tennis icon Roger Federer, Burna Boy said Fela’s records were part of his upbringing but not the source of his artistic inspiration.
He explained that the first album he personally owned was by American R&B singer Joe, received as a gift for his 10th birthday. Fela’s record, he added, came from his grandfather, Benson Idonije, who was Fela’s first manager.
The singer also cited Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter III and Tupac Shakur’s Makaveli as albums that shaped his childhood listening.
When asked which of those records had the greatest impact, Burna Boy replied, “Honestly, none,” before clarifying: “Fela was a big influence on me.”
The remarks sparked debate among fans, as Burna Boy has sampled and referenced Fela’s work in several of his hit songs, including Ye, My Money, My Baby, and Gbona.
While distancing his artistic style from direct inspiration, Burna Boy has repeatedly credited Fela’s cultural impact as significant in shaping modern African music.
