Grammy-winning Nigerian star Burna Boy has pushed back against claims that his artistry was directly inspired by Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti.
Speaking in a recent conversation with tennis icon Roger Federer, Burna Boy clarified that while Fela’s records were part of his childhood soundtrack, they were not his primary source of inspiration.
The singer explained that the first album he ever owned was a record by R&B artist Joe, gifted to him on his 10th birthday. He also revealed that his grandfather, Benson Idonije—who was Fela’s first manager—later gave him one of the Afrobeat legend’s albums.
Alongside Fela, Burna Boy said his formative years were shaped by international artists such as Lil Wayne, citing Tha Carter III, and Tupac Shakur, with the Makaveli album.
When Federer asked which of those records had the biggest impact, Burna Boy responded:
“Honestly, none. Fela was a big influence on me.”
The statement has sparked debate among fans, as Burna Boy has sampled Fela’s music on multiple occasions, most notably in tracks like Ye, My Money, My Baby, and Gbona.
While critics argue that his global Afrobeats identity draws heavily from Fela’s legacy, Burna Boy appears intent on distinguishing his musical journey as one shaped by a broader palette of influences.
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