In a candid and unapologetic moment that has ignited widespread debate across social media platforms, Grammy Award-winning Nigerian superstar Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, better known as Burna Boy, has proclaimed that the legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti is the only African musician who surpasses him in greatness. The self-styled "African Giant" made this audacious claim during a lively livestream session with popular Australian content creator and streamer Playboymax, emphasizing Fela's unparalleled status in the continent's musical history.
The exchange unfolded spontaneously as Burna Boy, fresh off another year of global dominance with hits like "Last Last" and his critically acclaimed albums, engaged in a relaxed conversation touching on music, legacy, and personal influences. When the topic veered toward comparisons with other African artists, Burna Boy did not hesitate. "He [Fela Kuti] is the king. He is the only one [African artist] who is greater than me. He is the only one," he stated with unwavering confidence, his tone blending reverence with a subtle assertion of his own stature. This wasn't a throwaway comment; Burna Boy repeated it for emphasis, underscoring his belief that Fela stands alone at the pinnacle of African musical achievement.
Fela Kuti, often hailed as the inventor of Afrobeat—a genre fusing jazz, funk, highlife, and traditional Yoruba rhythms with politically charged lyrics—remains an iconic figure whose influence permeates modern African music. Born in 1938 in Abeokuta, Nigeria, Fela's career spanned decades, marked by his rebellious spirit, activism against corruption and military rule, and his creation of the Kalakuta Republic, a commune that doubled as a recording studio and symbol of resistance. His discography, including classics like Zombie (1977), which critiqued the Nigerian military, and Teacher Don't Teach Me Nonsense (1986), continues to inspire generations. Fela's band, Africa '70 (later Egypt '80), featured intricate horn sections, pulsating percussion, and extended improvisational jams that redefined African soundscapes. Even in death since 1997, Fela's legacy endures through musicals like Fela! on Broadway, documentaries, and the annual Felabration festival in Lagos.
Burna Boy's acknowledgment of Fela as "the king" is particularly poignant given his own trajectory. Since bursting onto the scene with his 2012 album L.I.F.E., Burna has evolved into a global phenomenon, blending Afrobeat with dancehall, hip-hop, and pop elements. His 2019 breakthrough African Giant earned him a Grammy nomination, and he made history in 2021 by winning the Best Global Music Album for Twice as Tall. Tracks like "Ye," "On the Low," and the heartbreak anthem "Last Last" from 2022's Love, Damini have amassed billions of streams, propelling him to sold-out arenas worldwide, from Madison Square Garden to the O2 Arena in London. Burna has positioned himself as a torchbearer of Fela's Afrobeat revolution, often sampling the legend's work, incorporating pidgin English and social commentary in his lyrics, and advocating for African unity and pan-Africanism. His stage persona—complete with energetic performances, bold fashion, and unfiltered opinions—echoes Fela's larger-than-life presence.
Yet, Burna Boy's declaration has polarized opinions online, amplifying discussions about humility, legacy, and the hierarchy of African music icons. Supporters flooded comment sections and X (formerly Twitter) with praise, viewing his words as a mature tribute rather than arrogance. "Burna respecting Fela like that shows class. He's big enough to admit the GOAT is the GOAT," one fan posted, garnering thousands of likes. Others highlighted how Burna's success has elevated Afrobeat globally, arguing that his confidence stems from hard-earned achievements. "From Port Harcourt to Grammy stages, Burna has carried Fela's torch further than anyone. Calling Fela greater is respect, not shade," another user wrote. Influencers and music critics joined in, noting Fela's role in shaping Burna's sound—evident in albums like African Giant, which pays homage through its title and thematic depth.
On the flip side, detractors accused Burna Boy of hubris masked as homage. "Pride disguised as respect. Who is he to rank himself above Wizkid, Davido, or even Bob Marley?" a viral thread read, sparking heated debates. Critics pointed to Burna's history of bold statements, such as his 2020 claim of being the "best since Fela," which previously drew backlash. Some argued that placing himself second implicitly diminishes other giants like Miriam Makeba, the South African "Mama Africa" known for anti-apartheid anthems; Manu Dibango, the Cameroonian saxophonist behind "Soul Makossa"; or contemporary peers like Angola's Titica in afrobeats variants. "Fela is untouchable, but Burna acting like no one else comes close is delusional," one commentator fumed. Memes proliferated, with edited images of Burna bowing to Fela's shrine juxtaposed against laughing emojis.
This controversy isn't isolated; it reflects broader conversations in African entertainment about generational shifts. Burna, at 33, represents a new wave of artists leveraging digital platforms, streaming, and international collaborations to achieve unprecedented reach. Fela, in contrast, battled censorship and imprisonment in an era without social media. Playboymax's livestream, which attracted tens of thousands of viewers, amplified the moment, with clips going viral on TikTok and Instagram Reels. Nigerian blogs like Pulse and BellaNaija dissected the quote, while international outlets like BBC Africa and Complex Music weighed in on its implications for Afrobeat's evolution.
Beyond the drama, Burna's statement reinforces Fela's enduring supremacy. No other African artist has matched Fela's blend of musical innovation and socio-political impact—his songs led to raids on his home, beatings, and the tragic death of his mother, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, thrown from a window by soldiers in 1977. Burna, who has faced his own controversies, including feuds and legal issues, seems to draw strength from this lineage. As he prepares for future projects, including rumored collaborations and a potential headlining Coachella slot, this declaration cements his role as Afrobeat's defiant heir.
In an industry rife with rivalries, Burna Boy's words—confident yet deferential—highlight the thin line between self-assurance and ego. Whether praised or pilloried, the buzz ensures both artists remain in the spotlight, proving Afrobeat's vitality. As one neutral observer noted, "Fela built the throne; Burna is just claiming the seat next to it." The online frenzy shows no signs of abating, with fans eagerly awaiting Burna's next move to either defend or expand on his bold hierarchy.
