Nigerian artists who have publicly cited Burna Boy as an influence

Over the years, several Nigerian artists have openly credited Burna Boy as a major influence on their music and careers.

It’s Burna Boy’s 34th birthday today, and there’s no better time to reflect on the incredible impact he’s had, not just on the music charts but on an entire generation of Nigerian artists who look up to him.

The Grammy-winning superstar, born Damini Ogulu, has built a career that blends Afro-fusion, dancehall, reggae, R&B, and hip-hop, creating a sound that’s as distinct as it is globally celebrated. But beyond the hits, Burna Boy’s success story has quietly inspired a host of young Nigerian artists, many of whom haven’t shied away from publicly giving him his flowers.

Before diving into the artists he’s inspired, it’s worth remembering why Burna Boy holds such a respected spot in the industry. While he first grabbed attention with Like To Party in 2012, it was 2018’s YE that officially turned him into a household name. Since then, he’s gone on to win a Grammy, headline festivals around the world, and land features on global playlists, even Barack Obama’s annual playlist.

But what sets Burna Boy apart isn’t just the accolades. It’s how he’s stayed true to his roots while taking African music to the world. His Afro-fusion sound, sharp storytelling, and bold personality have turned him into both a music icon and a role model for up-and-coming artists who see him as proof that you can be authentically African and still rule the global stage.

Let’s take a look at some of the Nigerian artists who’ve openly called Burna Boy an influence on their music and careers.

1. Rema‘New cat’ Rema pays tribute to his colleague BurnaBoy for motivating him pic.twitter.com/LALf1ghxoz

— Instablog9ja (@instablog9ja) November 14, 2023 When it comes to giving Burna Boy his due, Rema doesn’t hold back. The Calm Down crooner has openly described Burna Boy as a major inspiration for his career. In an interview with Hip TV, Rema spoke about how much he admired Burna Boy’s unique journey to global success and how it’s influenced the way he’s crafting his own story.

Burna Boy said Rema is making him feel emotional 😂❤️ pic.twitter.com/1FcrU0u8Oo

— REMA NEWS (@heisremanewss) June 18, 2024 Rema often refers to Burna Boy as “Uncle B,” a nickname that hints at both admiration and a close, almost familial bond. In one viral moment, after Burna Boy expressed feeling emotional over Rema’s success, Rema responded with a lighthearted “Uncle B, no dey feel emotional.” It’s the kind of relationship that goes beyond industry politeness, it’s genuine respect.

Rema via his IG story:

“Big congrats Uncle B
You say AFRICAN GIANT & you stand on it!
God strengthen you to keep inspiring the boys
True icon, Love u OG 🦍❤️” pic.twitter.com/ZkzpDsNk5m

— benny. (@BENNY7GG) June 4, 2023 On social media, Rema has also congratulated Burna Boy on his milestones, once posting: “Big congrats Uncle B. You say AFRICAN GIANT and you stand on it. May God strengthen you to keep inspiring the boys. You’re a true icon. Love you OG.”

While Rema has drawn from various influences, including Fela Kuti, Wizkid, and Kanye West, he’s made it clear that Burna Boy’s career trajectory and narrative-building have deeply shaped his approach to music and fame.

2. Omah Lay”Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, and Olamide are the reasons I’m here right now” — Omah Lay sayspic.twitter.com/2vtlS352SZ

— YabaLeftOnline (@yabaleftonline) July 20, 2022 Omah Lay, one of Nigeria’s most promising young voices, has also openly acknowledged Burna Boy’s impact on his career. In interviews, Omah Lay credited Burna Boy, along with Wizkid, Davido, and Olamide, as the people who “paved the way” for him.

Burna Boy is the only artist up there that writes & make good music, I don’t see anybody else

– Omah Lay pic.twitter.com/rZgHyOYe9W

— ThatOjoBoy (@ThatOjoBoy) March 12, 2024 What makes this connection even more personal is their shared hometown of Port Harcourt. Omah Lay has often spoken about growing up listening to Burna Boy and how seeing a fellow Port Harcourt boy make it on the global stage gave him the belief that it was possible.

In one interview, he said: “The likes of Burna Boy, Duncan Mighty… I listen to a lot of Ajebo Hustlers. Port Harcourt is doing good, there’s lots of talent there that played a role in my growing up.”

Critics and fans alike have noted that Omah Lay’s songwriting, introspective, emotionally raw, and socially conscious, carries shades of Burna’s lyrical depth. It’s an influence that runs deeper than beats and melodies; it’s about honesty, cultural pride, and staying rooted in your story, no matter how far you go.

3. BNXN (formerly Buju)I love Burna Boy so much. I’ve been a student of his work for a very long time
-Bnxn🦍🤞🏿 pic.twitter.com/Rn41djZ4D4

— BaLoX (@ukange_davidx) July 1, 2025 Perhaps one of the most heartwarming and direct stories of Burna Boy’s influence comes from BNXN. Before the name change, BNXN was just another emerging act grinding his way through the scene, until Burna Boy heard his song Glen.

According to BNXN, Burna was so impressed by the track that he signed him on the spot. The song, Burna Boy said, made him feel like he was “floating” and transported him somewhere else. It was a major turning point for BNXN, who admitted he was at a low point in his career when it happened.

BNXN received his music education from Burna Boy.

Signing to him for a year wasn’t just a business decision for him. It was a chance to soak up expertise and creative spirit from Burna from close range.

Listen: https://t.co/IpUfyMvxnO pic.twitter.com/NDv51mhbtj

— Joey Akan (@JoeyAkan) September 17, 2022 Beyond the signing, BNXN has frequently spoken about how Burna Boy’s music helped him through tough times. In a viral TikTok video, BNXN was seen vibing to Burna’s early track Ring Ring, captioning it with a message about how Burna’s music has been “saving him since his first year in Babcock University.”

The admiration goes beyond professional respect, it’s personal. Fans have even dubbed BNXN “Burna’s biggest fan in the industry” thanks to his constant support and public affection for the African Giant.

— billboard (@billboard) April 25, 2024 In conclusion, there’s no denying the lasting influence of Burna Boy on Nigerian music. Beyond his chart-topping songs and global accolades, it’s the way he’s shown younger artists that you can stay rooted in your culture while conquering international stages that stands out.

Artists like Rema, Omah Lay, and BNXN haven’t just drawn inspiration from Burna’s sound, they’ve learned from his journey, his boldness, and his ability to tell an authentic story while navigating a global industry. And on his 34th birthday, it is evident that his impact isn’t slowing down anytime soon. As the new generation of Nigerian stars continues to rise, Burna Boy remains a shining example of how to dream big, stay true, and let the world catch up.

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