Nigerian superstar Damini Ogulu, better known as Burna Boy, has secured a coveted spot on Time Magazine’s prestigious 2024 list of the 100 Most Influential People in the World.
Released on April 17, 2024, the list recognizes individuals who have significantly shaped the world in the past year. From sports stars and political leaders to entertainment icons and musical pioneers, the diverse honorees are chosen by cultural and political icons.
Burna Boy’s nomination came from the legendary Beninese singer Angelique Kidjo. In her tribute published on Time’s website, Kidjo praised Burna Boy for championing African music’s unique richness and beauty. She stated, “A decade ago, I’d advise young African musicians to embrace their heritage, not mimic American artists. Burna Boy embodies this perfectly. He’s propelled Afrobeats to unprecedented heights with global exposure and accolades.”
In 2023, Burna Boy made history as the first Afrobeats artist to perform at the Grammy Awards ceremony. Additionally, he became the first Nigerian artist to grace the cover of the Grammy Awards official playlist and the first African artist to surpass one billion streams on Audiomack, a popular music streaming platform.
