Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, known by his stage name Burna Boy, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer who has garnered widespread acclaim and popularity. His breakthrough into the public spotlight came in 2012 with the release of his hit single “Like to Party,” which served as the lead track for his debut album, L.I.F.E. Notable among his other chart-topping songs are “Tonight” and “Run My Race.”
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Recognized as one of the most successful Nigerian musicians in history, Burna Boy’s musical style combines dancehall, reggae, afrobeat, and pop, capturing the hearts of fans worldwide. His talent has been duly acknowledged with numerous awards and accolades, most notably the prestigious Grammy Award in 2021. This achievement solidified his position as a true music icon.
Presently, Burna Boy is signed to the esteemed American record label, Atlantic Records, further expanding his global presence. Additionally, he is the visionary founder and CEO of Spaceship Records, a record label based in Nigeria, where he nurtures and supports emerging talents in the music industry.
With his distinctive sound and artistic vision, Burna Boy’s impact on the music landscape has been profound, making him a revered figure in the Nigerian and international music scenes alike.
Table of Contents
Profile Summary
| Real name | Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu |
| Famous as | Burna Boy |
| Gender | Male |
| Date of birth | 2 July 1991 |
| Age | 31 years old (as of 2023) |
| Zodiac sign | Cancer |
| Place of birth | Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria |
| Current residence | Lagos, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| State of origin | Rivers State |
| Tribe | Yoruba |
| Ethnicity | African |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Height in inches | 6’1’’ |
| Height in centimetres | 185 |
| Weight in pounds | 185 |
| Weight in kilograms | 84 |
| Hair colour | Black |
| Eye colour | Dark brown |
| Father | Samuel Ogulu |
| Mother | Bose Ogulu |
| Siblings | 2 |
| Relationship status | Single |
| University | University of Sussex, Oxford Brookes University |
| Profession | Singer, songwriter, producer |
| Net worth | $17 million |
| @burnaboy | |
| @burnaboygram | |
| @Burna Boy |
Burna Boy’s biography
The renowned singer, born Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, comes from a family with diverse backgrounds. Burna Boy’s parents are Bose (mother) and Samuel Ogulu (father). His mother, Bose, served as a translator for the Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce, while his father, Samuel, worked in a welding company.
Notably, Burna Boy’s maternal grandfather, Benson Idonije, was a respected broadcaster and jazz enthusiast who had the privilege of managing the late Nigerian music legend, Fela Kuti.
Growing up, the talented artist shared his life with two sisters, namely Jehovah-Nissi and Ronami. Nissi, his younger sister, is a multi-talented individual, excelling as a singer, graphic artist, entrepreneur, and mechanical engineer. On the other hand, his older sister, Ronami, pursued a career in science and design.
For his education, Burna Boy attended Montessori International School for his primary education before continuing to Corona Secondary School in Agbara, Ogun State, for his secondary studies. Subsequently, he decided to further his education in the United Kingdom, enrolling at the University of Sussex. There, he pursued Media Technology from 2008 to 2009. He continued his academic journey by studying Media Communications and Culture at Oxford Brookes University from 2009 to 2010.
Age
As of 2023, the Nigerian singer Burna Boy is 31 years old. He was born on 2 July 1991, making his zodiac sign Cancer.
Burna Boy’s Girlfriend
As of now, he is believed to be single. Nevertheless, the musician has had a romantic relationship with Stefflon Don, a British singer, and songwriter. The couple started dating in 2018 but eventually parted ways in 2022. In addition to Stefflon Don, the rapper has been romantically linked with Princess Shyngle and Jo Pearl at different points in time.
Career
Burna Boy, the Nigerian superstar, has an illustrious journey in the music industry marked by a series of impressive albums and collaborations. Starting with his debut studio album “L.I.F.E” released on 12 August 2013, Burna Boy quickly gained recognition for his unique style that seamlessly blends gospel and Afrobeat influences.
The success of “L.I.F.E” was evident as it sold an astounding 40,000 copies on its first day of release. The album featured hit singles like “Like to Party,” “Tonight,” “Always Love You,” “Run My Race,” and “Yawa Dey,” captivating audiences with its powerful and soulful tunes. Produced entirely by Leriq, the album also boasted collaborations with renowned artists like 2face Idibia, M.I., Timaya, Olamide, Reminisce, and Wizkid.
Following the success of his debut album, Burna Boy parted ways with Aristokrat Records and founded his record label, Spaceship Entertainment, in February 2015. He continued to excel with subsequent releases, including his second studio album “On a Spaceship” in November 2015 and his debut extended play “Redemption” in September 2016.
However, it was his third studio album “Outside,” released on 26 January 2018, that solidified Burna Boy’s position as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. The album featured guest appearances from J Hus, Lily Allen, and Mabel, and received critical acclaim for its mix of afrobeat, dancehall, reggae, and road rap. “Outside” garnered significant recognition, winning the Album of the Year at the 2018 Nigeria Entertainment Awards and peaking at number three on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart.
Burna Boy’s impressive run of success continued with his fourth studio album “African Giant,” released on 26 July 2019. The album featured hit singles like “Gbona,” “On the Low,” “Killin Dem,” “Dangote,” “Anybody,” and “Pull Up.” It earned him several accolades, including the BET Award for Best International Act and a nomination for the Grammy Award for Best World Music Album.
Subsequently, Burna Boy’s fifth studio album “Twice as Tall” was released on 14 August 2020. The album, executive produced by Diddy and his mother, Bose Ogulu, reached new heights by debuting at number one on the Billboard World Albums Chart. It earned Burna Boy his first Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards.
His latest album “Love, Damini,” released on 8 July 2022, continued the trend of success, showcasing Burna Boy’s versatility and artistry.
Throughout his career, Burna Boy has not only been recognized for his musical talents but also for his impactful collaborations with international artists like Justin Bieber and Jon Bellion. His contributions to various soundtracks and projects further cement his position as a global icon.
From selling out arenas to winning prestigious awards, Burna Boy’s journey continues to inspire and elevate African music on the world stage. His unwavering commitment to his craft and his unique blend of sounds have earned him a place among the top African artists of his generation, making him a true trailblazer and a musical force to be reckoned with.
Awards and nominations
- The Headies – Best collaboration (2019)
- MTV Europe Music Awards – Best African Act (2019)
- MTV Europe Music Awards – Song of the Year (2019)
- All Africa Music Awards – West African Male Artiste of the Year (2019)
- Sound City MVP Awards – African artist of the Year (2019)
- All Africa Music Awards – Album of the Year (2019)
- Sound City MVP Awards – Best Male MVP (2019)
- All Africa Music Awards – Song of The Year (2019)
- BET Awards – Best International Act (2020)
Controversy
On 8 June 2022, it was reported that individuals believed to be armed escorts of Burna Boy allegedly shot and injured two people at a nightclub in Lagos. The incident was said to have occurred after the wife of one of the victims declined an invitation from Burna Boy to join him in the club’s VIP section. Following the incident, five security guards linked to Burna Boy were apprehended and charged with attempted murder.
In the aftermath of the shooting, the woman who was involved in the altercation accused Burna Boy and his family of attempting to silence her family by offering them hush money. However, as of the report, the CCTV footage capturing the incident at the club has not been released to the public. The investigation into the incident and its implications is ongoing.
Burna Boy’s net worth
The Nigerian singer is rumored to have a net worth of $17 million, attributed to his successful music career, lucrative endorsements, and wise investments.
Known for his extravagant lifestyle, he possesses an impressive collection of exotic automobiles. Among them, a G-class Mercedes Benz worth ₦20 million and a Range Rover Sport valued at ₦17 million stand out. Additionally, in December 2018, he added a brand-new Bentley to his impressive lineup of luxury vehicles.
