Nigerian music star Burna Boy, born Damini Ogulu, has clarified the role of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti in shaping his career in a recent interview with tennis icon Roger Federer on Complex’s GOAT Talk.
The episode, titled ‘Burna Boy & Roger Federer Debate The Best & Worst Things Ever’, originally aired on YouTube on September 24 and has recently resurfaced online, giving fans an intimate look at the superstar’s influences, personal tastes, and the cherished traditions that shaped him.
During the conversation, Federer asked Burna Boy about the albums he considers the greatest of all time.
The Afro star listed a wide range of classics, including Joe’s My Name Is Joe, Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter III, and 2Pac’s Makaveli.
He also emphasised all of Fela Kuti’s albums. However, when pressed on which of these works inspired him the most, Burna Boy said, ‘Honestly, none. I promise you. But, well, Fela was a big influence on me’.
He explained that Fela’s records were part of the soundtrack of his childhood, shaping his environment and awareness of Afrobeat, even if they did not directly guide his own music.
Burna Boy also shared that his first albums included the Joe album he received for his 10th birthday, alongside Fela’s full collection from his grandfather, emphasising that every Fela album remains a ‘goat album’ in his eyes.
‘First album, I got the Joe album for my 10th birthday gift, I got all Fela albums from my granddad. So every Fela album is a goat album. Lil Wayne’s The Carter III. Tupac’s Makaveli’.
The interview offered fans a peek into Burna Boy’s broader musical taste, listing rappers like Tupac, Big Pun, J-Hus, and DMX across generations, and citing singers, including Fuji artists like Saeed Usupa, as well as global icons such as Whitney Houston, Tina Turner, and Freddie Mercury.
He also recounted how Freddie Mercury and Queen were part of his father’s musical influence, showing a blend of both African and international inspirations in his upbringing.
Beyond music, Burna Boy delved into more personal aspects of his life. He revealed the origin of his stage name, linking it to a comic-book persona he created as a child, endowed with fire powers and the ability to fly.
‘That’s actually how I got the name Burna Boy, because I wanted to be a character in the comic book’, he explained.
He also talked about family traditions, particularly Christmas, which he described as a sacred time to be home with loved ones.
Despite the demands of a professional schedule, he emphasised the importance of spending the day together.
Burna Boy painted a vivid picture of family Christmas celebrations, sharing how they prioritise presence over plans. He noted the challenge of juggling careers and traditions, but highlighted that the holiday remains a time for reconnecting, sharing meals, and creating lasting memories with extended family.
Food was another nostalgic topic, as Burna Boy reflected on his childhood favourites. He fondly remembered, ‘Fried yams and stew with all the meats you can get… Like beef or sausage… When I was a kid, I used to eat yams and sleep off on the bench’.
While Fela Kuti’s music played a formative role in his upbringing, Burna Boy makes it clear that his artistic journey has been guided by his own vision and experiences
