Burna Boy was included in the icons section of Time Magazine’s Top 100 Influential People of 2024 list.
Multi-Grammy-winning singer Angelique Kidjo pens a glowing tribute to Burna Boy who was recognized by Time Magazine as one of the top 100 most influential people of 2024.
In her tribute, the legendary Beninese singer described Nigerian Afro-fusion star Burna Boy as a history-making artist who young people from Africa look up to.
Angelique Kidjo praised Burna Boy for finding inspiration in African folk music and for following the footsteps of Nigerian Afrobeat originator Fela Kuti.
“Ten years ago or so, when young African musicians would come to me for advice, I would tell them, ‘You don’t need to mimic American artists! The world needs the amazing richness and beauty of our traditional African music and our culture. This land is where most of modern music comes from. This source of inspiration is inexhaustible. Its freshness and its elegance will get the world’s attention for sure’.
“Burna Boy’s deeply original flow and his signature groove have conquered the world with an impressive series of firsts: in 2023, he became the first African artist to sell out a U.S. stadium, and in 2024, he became the first Afrobeats artist to sing at the Grammys. He is history in the making. Now a whole generation of young people from the continent is looking up to him.”
Angelique Kidjo
Since breaking into the international scene in 2018, Burna Boy has been one of the biggest musicians in the world. In his Grammy-nominated 2019 album ‘African Giant’, Burna Boy featured Angelique Kidjo in the single ‘Different’ alongside Damian Marley.
The legendary Angelique Kidjo would feature Burna Boy on her Grammy-nominated song ‘Do Yourself’ in 2021.
Burna Boy is the only African musician on Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2024 list.
Burna Boy Praises 21 Savage
21 Savage is included in Time Magazine’s Most Influential People of 2024.
After enjoying a successful 2023 with the release of ‘Her Loss’ the joint album with Drake, 21 Savage kicked off 2024 with a new album titled ‘American Dream’.
Nigerian Grammy-winning sensation Burna Boy was handpicked to pen 21 Savage’s citation and the Afro-fusion star had a lot of glowing words for the American Grammy-winning rapper.
Burna Boy calls 21 Savage as someone “grounded in their convictions and consistently defies the constraints imposed upon them”.
In his tribute, Burna Boy describes 21 Savage approach to Hip Hop as “refreshingly genuine” and his lyricism authentic and reflective of the genre’s complexities.
“I trust my gut when it comes to my music and collaborations, and I find myself naturally drawn to artists like 21 Savage, those who remain grounded in their convictions and consistently defy the constraints imposed upon them. Like 21, I know what it’s like to rise above challenging beginnings, and it makes his success all that much more remarkable. Throughout his work, including on his newest album, ‘American Dream’, which opens with a reflection by his mother on their immigration story, 21 maintains an authenticity that resonates deeply.
“His approach to rap is refreshingly genuine; he speaks to us in a relatable way, effortlessly navigating the complexities of the genre. Whether he tackles weighty subjects or offers moments of levity, his delivery remains compelling. I have recently had the privilege of sharing one of my most significant milestones with 21, performing with him at the Grammys. I’m excited to witness the greater evolution of his artistry and the impact he continues to make on the world stage.”
Burna Boy
Burna Boy appears to have developed a good working relationship with 21 Savage. He featured the rapper in his hit single “Sittin’ On Top Of The World” which earned him a historic nomination for Best Melodic Rap Song at the 66th Grammy Awards.
21 Savage also featured Burna Boy on ‘Just Like Me’ off his ‘American Dream’ album before they performed together alongside Brandy at the 66th Grammys.
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