Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy has earned an enviable spot in TIME‘s 100 Most Influential People of 2024, announced on April 17.
The essay highlighting Burna’s remarkable accomplishments was written by music legend Angélique Kidjo. The essay includes his status as the first African artist to sell out a stadium in the United States (he did so last July at Citi Field in New York City) and his distinction as the first Afrobeats performer to sing at the Grammy Awards (he brought 21 Savage and Brandy on stage to perform Sittin’ on Top of the World).
“Inspired by the fantastic drums of Nigerian folk music, and studied in the craft of the great African singer-songwriters, he follows in the footsteps of Fela Kuti — the internationally celebrated Afrobeats artist and activist. He is history in the making. Now a whole generation of young people from the continent is looking up to him,” Angélique Kidjo stated.
The article was written by Burna for his “Sittin’ on Top of the World” partner, 21 Savage, who was included in the TIME 100 list.
“Like 21, I know what it’s like to rise above challenging beginnings, and it makes his success all that much more remarkable. … His approach to rap is refreshingly genuine; he speaks to us in a relatable way, effortlessly navigating the complexities of the genre. I’m excited to witness the greater evolution of his artistry and the impact he continues to make on the world stage,” Burna Boy wrote.
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Some international musical acts like Dua Lipa, Fantasia and Kylie Minogue among others also made it onto the list.
It can be recalled that Burna Boy was recently full of appreciation for the City of Boston, as a special day, March 2, had been set aside to honour him.
He received a plaque while performing at his sold-out concert at the TD Garden Arena in Boston, Massachusetts.
Burna Boy later poured out his heart on his timeline, saying: “I feel incredibly honoured and privileged! Thank you, Boston! The goal has always been the same, to bring the world together. We are all so different but all the same!”
The performance was part of the ‘I Told Them Tour’ which saw him mount the stage in Chicago, USA, and Montreal, Canada, as well. Some 20,000 fans were reported to be part of the recent show in Boston.
Burna Boy, who lost out on his Grammy nominations this year, is celebrated as the first African Act to have ever performed at the show.