Burna Boy, whose real name is Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, is a global music sensation and one of Africa’s most celebrated artists.
Renowned for his unique fusion of Afrobeat, reggae, and dancehall, Burna Boy has solidified his place on the world stage with his chart-topping hits and electrifying performances.
Beyond his music, the Grammy-winning artist is admired for his larger-than-life personality, luxurious lifestyle, and philanthropic endeavors.
This article dives deep into Burna Boy’s impressive net worth, inspiring journey to fame, personal life, and the stunning properties and possessions that highlight his success story.
Burna Boy Net Worth
As of the latest available information, Burna Boy’s net worth is estimated to be $17 million.
He was born on July 2, 1991, making him 34 years old on 2nd of July.
Burna Boy is a male artist known for his versatile talents as a singer, songwriter, rapper, and dancer.
His contributions to the music industry have earned him recognition and financial success, solidifying his position as a prominent figure in the world of entertainment.
Burna Boy Biography
Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu MFR was brought to this world on July 2 in 1991, widely recognized by his stage name Burna Boy, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and music producer.
He gained widespread fame in 2012 with the release of “Like to Party,” the standout track from his debut album, L.I.F.E, which dropped in 2013.
By 2017, Burna Boy had signed with Atlantic Records in the United States, along with Warner Music Group globally, paving the way for the release of his third album, Outside (2018).
In 2019, Burna Boy was honored with the Best International Act award at the BET Awards and was spotlighted as an Apple Music Up Next artist.
That same year, he launched his fourth studio album, African Giant, which secured the Album of the Year award at the All Africa Music Awards and earned a nomination for Best World Music Album at the 62nd Grammy Awards.
In 2020, he was celebrated as African Artist of the Year at the Ghana Music Awards. August 2020 marked the release of his fifth album, Twice as Tall, which won Best World Music Album at the 63rd Grammy Awards. He also clinched another BET Award for Best International Act in 2021.
In 2022, Burna Boy unveiled his sixth studio album, Love, Damini, which broke records as the highest debut for a Nigerian album on the Billboard 200.
It also achieved remarkable chart success in France, the Netherlands, and the UK, making it one of the highest-ranking African albums in those regions.
Later that year, he received the prestigious Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) title for his contributions to music.
In 2023, Burna Boy was ranked 197th on Rolling Stone’s list of the 200 greatest singers of all time.
That same year, he earned his fourth BET Award for Best International Act and won The Headies awards for Afrobeats Single of the Year and Song of the Year with “Last Last.”
Early Life and Education
Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, professionally known as Burna Boy, was born on July 2, 1991, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
His mother, Bose Ogulu, was a language translator, while his father, Samuel Ogulu, managed a welding business.
Notably, Burna Boy’s maternal grandfather, Benson Idonije, was once the manager of the legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti.
Bose Ogulu later became Burna Boy’s manager, playing a pivotal role in his music career.
Raised in Southern Nigeria, Burna Boy developed an interest in music early on and began creating beats with FL Studio.
He attended Corona Secondary School in Agbara, Ogun State, before moving to London for higher education.
Between 2008 and 2009, he studied media technology at the University of Sussex, and from 2009 to 2010, he pursued media communications and culture at Oxford Brookes University.
After completing his studies, Burna Boy returned to Port Harcourt, where he interned for a year at Rhythm 93.7 FM. Following his internship, he relocated to Lagos to officially kickstart his music career.
Burna Boy Career
Burna Boy released his debut studio album titled L.I.F.E, on August 12, 2013, following the success of his second mixtape, Burn Identity (2011).
The album sold 40,000 copies on its release day, with Aristokrat Records selling its marketing rights to Uba Pacific for ₦10 million.
Preceded by five hit singles—”Like to Party,” “Tonight,” “Always Love You,” “Run My Race,” and “Yawa Dey”—the album was a significant milestone in Burna Boy’s career.
Produced entirely by Leriq, L.I.F.E featured collaborations with renowned artists such as 2face Idibia, M.I Abaga, Timaya, Olamide, Reminisce, and Wizkid.
The album drew heavy influence from musical legends like Fela Kuti, King Sunny Ade, and Bob Marley, earning it widespread acclaim for its production quality.
Nigeria Entertainment Today ranked it among the top 10 albums of 2013, and it was also nominated for Best Album of the Year at the 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.
In August 2013, the album peaked at number seven on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart.
In 2014, Burna Boy parted ways with Aristokrat Records and, eight months later, established his own record label, Spaceship Entertainment, in February 2015.
His second studio album, On a Spaceship, was released on November 25, 2015.
Following this, Burna Boy dropped a 7-track EP titled Redemption in September 2016, with its lead single, “Pree Me,” premiering on Noisey.
Outside and African Giant
On January 19, 2018, Burna Boy was featured on the track “Sunshine Riptide” by American rock band Fall Out Boy, which appeared on their seventh studio album, Mania. A week later, on January 26, 2018, Burna Boy released his third studio album, Outside.
While Burna Boy referred to the project as a mixtape, it masterfully blended afrobeats, dancehall, reggae, and road rap.
The album included collaborations with British artists J Hus, Lily Allen, and Mabel, and was supported by six singles which title are: “Rock Your Body,” “Streets of Africa,” “Koni Baje,” “Sekkle Down,” “Heaven’s Gate,” and “Ye.”
The album’s production featured a diverse lineup of talents, including Leriq, Baba Stiltz, Jae 5, Juls, Chopstix, Steel Banglez, Fred Gibson, Phantom, and FTSE.
Outside earned widespread critical acclaim, with both Pulse Nigeria and Nigerian Entertainment Today naming it the best Nigerian album of 2018.
It also won Album of the Year at the 2018 Nigeria Entertainment Awards. In February 2018, the album debuted at number three on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart.
The single “Ye” became a cultural phenomenon, topping numerous Nigerian year-end lists as the biggest song of 2018.
In October 2018, Burna Boy performed to a sold-out crowd at London’s O2 Academy Brixton.
A day before the show, he hosted a pop-up event at Red by Little Farm, selling exclusive merchandise like Space Puffs cereal, graphic tees, lighters, and notepads.
Shortly after, he was named one of Spotify’s Afro Hub takeover artists and was recognized as YouTube’s Artist on the Rise for three months.
In early 2019, Burna Boy was announced as one of the performers for that year’s Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival alongside Mr Eazi.
He also dominated the Soundcity MVP Awards Festival, winning four categories, including African Artiste of the Year and Best Male MVP.
In March 2019, he teamed up with Los Angeles-based electronic duo DJDS to release a 4-track EP titled Steel & Copper, which combined elements of dancehall, reggae, Afropop, and trap.
On June 24, 2019, Burna Boy won the Best International Act award at the BET Awards and was later spotlighted as an Apple Music Up Next artist.
His feature on Beyoncé’s The Lion King: The Gift soundtrack with the track “Ja Ara E” made him the only guest artist with a solo song on the project.
Burna Boy’s fourth studio album, African Giant, was released on July 26, 2019. It featured six hit singles: “Gbona,” “On the Low,” “Killin Dem,” “Dangote,” “Anybody,” and “Pull Up.” Described as his most personal project, Burna Boy began recording African Giant in 2018. In April 2019, he held a private listening session in Los Angeles, where he first revealed plans for the album.
To promote the release, he embarked on the African Giant Returns tour, the second leg of his earlier African Giant tour.
The album also featured the track “My Money, My Baby,” part of the Queen & Slim soundtrack, which sampled Fela Kuti’s 1972 song “Shakara”.
In November 2019, Burna Boy became the first Afrobeat artist to sell out the SSE Arena in London and received a special plaque commemorating this milestone.
That same month, he featured alongside Ed Sheeran on Stormzy’s hit single “Own It,” from the album titled Heavy Is the Head.
Twice as Tall and Love, Damini
In April 2020, Burna Boy participated in the One World: Together at Home special, a global virtual concert aimed at raising funds during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On June 19, 2020, he was featured on the remix of Master KG’s viral hit “Jerusalema,” where he incorporated his signature Afrobeat style and sang partly in isiZulu.
The collaboration was widely celebrated for its unique blend of African sounds.
On July 30, 2020, Burna Boy joined British singer Sam Smith on the single “My Oasis,” the lead track from Smith’s third studio album, Love Goes. Shortly after, on August 14, 2020, Burna Boy released his fifth studio album, Twice as Tall.
The album, which was executive produced by Diddy and Burna Boy’s mother, Bose Ogulu, became his highest-charting project to date, debuting at number one on the Billboard World Albums Chart.
Twice as Tall earned a nomination for Best Global Music Album at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards, marking Burna Boy’s second consecutive nomination in the category. He ultimately won the award, solidifying his global recognition.
Additionally, Burna Boy won an Edison Award in the World Album category for African Giant and secured Best International Act at the 2020 MOBO Awards, edging out top artists like Drake, Megan Thee Stallion, and Roddy Ricch. His track “Destiny” was also featured in the playlist for Joe Biden’s presidential inauguration.
In 2021, Burna Boy became the first African artist to win the BET Award for Best International Act three consecutive times.
He collaborated with Canadian artist Justin Bieber on the song “Loved by You” from Bieber’s sixth studio album, Justice, released on March 19, 2021.
Later that year, on September 17, he featured on Jon Bellion’s single “I Feel It,” marking their first musical partnership.
On June 4, 2022, Burna Boy performed at Zimbabwe’s Belgravia Sports Stadium, where he reportedly declined an offer to wear a ZANU-PF scarf, signaling a refusal to endorse the Mnangagwa administration. That same year, Burna Boy was named the “Best Solo Act in the World” by NME.
Burna Boy’s sixth studio album, Love, Damini, was released on July 8, 2022, following the successful singles “Kilometre” and “Last Last.” The album further cemented his status as a leading force in global music.
On December 18, 2022, he held his first concert in Jamaica at the Jamaica National Stadium, marking another milestone in his international career.
2023–Present: I Told Them…
In April 2023, Burna Boy released the track “Mera Na,” a tribute to the late Indian artist Sidhu Moose Wala.
The song, which featured Moose Wala posthumously, charted on multiple international platforms, including the Billboard Global 200, Canada Hot 100, and New Zealand Hot Singles charts.
In June 2023, Burna Boy dropped “Sittin’ on Top of the World,” a single that samples Brandy’s 1998 hit “Top of the World.” The song showcased Burna Boy’s ability to blend nostalgic R&B elements with contemporary Afrobeat influences.
On June 10, 2023, Burna Boy became the first African artist to perform at the UEFA Champions League Final Kick-Off Show, sponsored by Pepsi.
The performance took place at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey, in front of a live audience of over 71,000 and a global viewership exceeding 700 million.
In July 2023, Burna Boy achieved another historic milestone by becoming the first African artist to headline and sell out a stadium show in the United States, performing at Citi Field in New York.
Later, Billboard named him the top Afrobeat artist of 2023, recognizing his influence and success in the genre.
At the 2023 Billboard Music Awards, Burna Boy won the inaugural Best Afrobeats Artist award, becoming the first African artist to win a BBMA as a lead act.
In November 2023, Burna Boy received four Grammy nominations, cementing his place in history as the most-nominated Nigerian artist at the Grammys, with ten career nominations.
He also became the first Nigerian artist to earn Grammy nominations in five consecutive years (2019–2023).
Spotify named him the most-streamed Sub-Saharan African artist globally for the second year in a row, while The Recording Academy described him as Africa’s biggest artist.
The Nation honored Burna Boy as Entertainer of the Year, acknowledging his unmatched accomplishments in 2023.
“Sittin’ on Top of the World” was nominated for Best Melodic Rap Performance at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards.
Burna Boy performed the track live at the ceremony on February 4, 2024, alongside Brandy and 21 Savage, in a moment that further showcased his global appeal.
In November 2024, his hit song “Higher” earned a nomination for Best African Music Performance at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, scheduled to take place in February 2025 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
This marked Burna Boy’s sixth nomination for this prestigious award, further solidifying his status as a global music icon.
Burna Boy Personal Life
Burna Boy was in a relationship with British rapper Stefflon Don from 2018 until their split in 2022.
Artistry
Burna Boy’s music is an eclectic blend of Afrobeats, hip hop, reggae, dancehall, R&B, and pop, which he collectively refers to as “Afro-fusion.” His unique sound has been described as modern and innovative while avoiding predictable crossover trends.
August Brown of the Los Angeles Times characterizes his music as “savvy and modern but undistracted by obvious crossover moves.”
Known for his baritone voice and distinctive vocal texture, Burna Boy often sings in a mix of English, Yoruba, and Nigerian Pidgin, adding depth and cultural authenticity to his songs.
His lyrical content stands out in the Afrobeats genre, as his music frequently explores themes beyond danceable rhythms, incorporating introspective and politically charged narratives.
For instance, his track “Another Story” from African Giant delves into Nigeria’s colonial history.
Burna Boy has earned acclaim for his spontaneous creative process. He explained in an interview with The Punch that inspiration often flows naturally when he is in the studio: “I get into the booth, lay down the melody, and the music just comes to me. Honestly, I can’t really explain it—the ideas flow through me spiritually.”
Peers have also recognized his talent. Kittitian dancehall artist Byron Messia praised Burna Boy as an exceptional lyricist who creates effortlessly without the need to write down his lyrics.
Similarly, Nigerian artist Omah Lay described him as the best songwriter he has ever encountered and a major inspiration for his own work.
In January 2023, Rolling Stone honored Burna Boy by listing him among the 200 greatest singers of all time, a testament to his artistry and global influence.
Success and Influence
Burna Boy’s rise to global prominence has positioned him as a leading figure in the Afrobeats genre.
Talent manager Kim Moore emphasized that Burna Boy’s Grammy win has motivated other African artists to create music with a broader international appeal. BBC radio host Darren Joseph called him “an icon among a generation.”
Critics have highlighted Burna Boy’s ability to remain authentically African while gaining worldwide recognition.
As Jon Pareles of The New York Times put it, Burna Boy has not diluted his African heritage but instead incorporated a distinct African influence into his music, blending various African genres seamlessly. His music exemplifies West African cultural virtues such as coolness, poise, and control.
Rolling Stone has referred to Burna Boy as a cultural giant, noting that he has become a powerful ambassador for Afrobeats, bridging African roots with global appeal.
His influence extends beyond music, with Lloyd Bradley of The Guardian stating that Burna Boy’s Twice as Tall album exemplifies the merging of traditional African melodies with modern global sounds.
Additionally, Pitchfork recognized him as one of the most important artists of their first 25 years, further cementing his role in shaping contemporary music.
Burna Boy’s impact stretches into the fashion industry as well. Business of Fashion named him one of the key figures shaping global fashion in 2023.
Vulture writer Lawrence Burney noted that Burna Boy’s style, combined with his successful fusion of hip hop and dancehall, garnered him more commercial success in the U.S. compared to his Nigerian contemporaries like Davido and Wizkid.
African music legend Angélique Kidjo has publicly acknowledged Burna Boy’s contributions, dedicating her Grammy win to him for reshaping global perceptions of African music.
The Guardian’s Aniefiok Ekpoudom summarized Burna Boy’s mission succinctly, saying, “Burna Boy is on a mission to remind Africans everywhere about their roots in the continent, and Afrobeats is his tool.”
Controversies
Lagos Nightclub Incident (2022)
On 8 June 2022, Burna Boy’s security team was involved in an incident at a nightclub in Lagos, where two individuals were reportedly shot and wounded.
The situation allegedly escalated after the wife of one of the victims declined Burna Boy’s invitation to join him in the VIP section. Five of Burna Boy’s security guards were arrested and charged with attempted murder.
The victim later accused Burna Boy and his family of attempting to silence her with hush money. Despite the gravity of the situation, as of 20 June 2022, the club had not released CCTV footage of the incident.
On 1 January 2023, during the Lagos leg of his Love, Damini tour, Burna Boy addressed the rumors surrounding the nightclub shooting and also denied allegations that his mother had once been a backup dancer for Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti.
Feud with Speed Darlington (2024)
In 2024, Burna Boy found himself embroiled in a public feud with Nigerian musician Speed Darlington.
The dispute began when Darlington questioned the legitimacy of Burna Boy’s 2021 Grammy win for Twice as Tall, co-produced by rapper and producer Sean “Diddy” Combs.
Darlington suggested that Burna Boy’s Grammy win was influenced by external factors, including his association with Diddy.
In response, Burna Boy filed a defamation lawsuit, which led to Darlington’s arrest by the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja.
Darlington’s mother publicly appealed to Burna Boy for forgiveness, and her son was eventually granted bail after meeting certain conditions.
Following his release, Darlington issued a public apology, claiming his comments were meant to be humorous and clarifying that he bore no ill will toward Burna Boy.
Despite the apology, the feud continued. Darlington released a diss track titled “Baby Oil,” which gained traction on streaming platforms.
He also warned Burna Boy during a visit to the United States, advising him to be cautious in his “territory.” Burna Boy responded by encouraging his fans to “just sue your opps to court and take the money,” a statement widely interpreted as a reference to his ongoing clash with Darlington.
Activism
Burna Boy’s activism is deeply rooted in his Pan-Africanist philosophy, which views Africa as the “Mother Continent” and the birthplace of humanity.
He is passionate about rebuilding bridges between Africa and its Diaspora, using his platform to advocate for social justice and inspire change.
His music is more than just entertainment; it serves as a call to action, shining a spotlight on issues affecting people in Nigeria and across the globe.
On his album titled African Giant, Burna Boy delves into Nigeria’s turbulent history, challenging the narratives surrounding its independence.
Songs like “Another Story” criticize the colonial legacy left by the Royal Niger Company, while “Collateral Damage” calls out the complacency of Nigerians in confronting their oppressors. “Wetin Man Go Do” reflects on the struggles of the common people.
According to BBC radio presenter DJ Target, Burna Boy’s music represents change, with the artist speaking out against injustice and making powerful statements for the youth of Africa, all while achieving worldwide success.
Burna Boy’s activism extends beyond his music. In 2019, following the Johannesburg riots targeting Africans in South Africa, he vowed not to return to the country unless the government took immediate action to address the violence.
In 2020, he set up a relief fund to support victims of the #EndSARS anti-police brutality protests.
Burna Boy’s powerful lyrics resonate not only with Nigerians but also with citizens from former colonial countries in Africa, Asia, and South America, urging them to confront neo-colonialism and demand justice.
His single “20-10-20” was released as a show of solidarity with the victims of the 2020 Lekki massacre, where #EndSARS protesters were allegedly shot by the Nigerian military.
The song speaks out against police brutality, corruption, and bad governance in Nigeria.
Studio Albums
L.I.F.E (2013)
On a Spaceship (2015)
Outside (2018)
African Giant (2019)
Twice as Tall (2020)
Love, Damini (2022)
I Told Them… (2023)
Answer To FAQ
Is Burna Boy the richest?
A music executive recently stated that Burna Boy is the wealthiest Nigerian artist, claiming that no other musician has earned more than the Grammy award-winning star in the past four years.
Was Burna Boy born in the UK?
No, Burna Boy, whose real name is Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, was born and raised in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. He began his music career after moving from London, where he attended university, to Lagos.
In 2021, he won a Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album with his fifth studio album, Twice As Tall.
Does Burna Boy have a degree?
Burna Boy’s grandfather was the manager of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti.
After completing high school, Burna Boy’s parents sent him to the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom to pursue an undergraduate degree in media technology.
In 2009, he transferred to Oxford Brookes University to finish his studies in media communications.
Which tribe is Burna Boy from?
Burna Boy, whose birth name is Damini and who hails from the Ijaw ethnic group, is often mistakenly referred to as Yoruba, a label that many across Nigeria now believe.
What is Burna real name?
Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu is the real name of the Nigerian artist who was born on July 2, 1991, and popularly known as Burna Boy, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter specializing in dancehall and reggae music.
Which town is Burna Boy?
Burna Boy was born on July 2, 1991, in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. He is a renowned music artist and actor, known for his roles in Coming 2 America (2021), Burna Boy Feat. 21 Savage: Sittin’ on Top of the World (2023), and Burna Boy: City Boys (2023).
What state is Burna Boy’s mother from?
She oversees the musical careers of her children, Burna Boy and Nissi Ogulu. Originally from Edo State, she is the daughter of Benson Idonije.
Why is Burna Boy called Burna?
A passionate comic book collector, Burna Boy drew inspiration from his hobby when creating his stage name.
In an interview on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon last year, he revealed that his music moniker was influenced by his love for drawing comic books, and he wanted a name that sounded like that of a superhero.
Does Burna Boy live in Lekki?
Yes, he has a mansion that Worth $1.2 Millio. Recently, video of Burna Boy Chills at his $1.2M Mansion in Lekki-Lagos come up online.
Does Burna Boy have a father?
Burna Boy’s Parents Samuel And Bose Ogulu Celebrate 30 Years Of Marriage.
Who is Burna Boy’s grandfather?
Burna Boy’s grandfather, Benson Idonije, who was also Fela Kuti’s former manager who was born on June 13, 1936.
A veteran broadcaster, Idonije was part of the pioneering team that launched Radio Nigeria 2 (now Metro FM) in 1977.
Why is Burna Boy called Odogwu?
Burna Boy embraces Igbo culture in his music, celebrating the wealth and strength associated with being an African giant.
He proudly takes on the title of Odogwu, which means a warrior or a powerful individual—an apt title for someone like Burna Boy, who has overcome numerous challenges to achieve the success he enjoys today.