Nigerian musician Burna Boy, whose real name is Damini Ogulu, has explained the influence of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti on his professional journey during a recent conversation with tennis legend Roger Federer on Complex’s GOAT Talk.
The episode, named “Burna Boy & Roger Federer Debate The Best & Worst Things Ever”, first premiered on YouTube on September 24 and has recently come back into the spotlight online, offering fans a close view of the star’s inspirations, individual preferences, and the treasured customs that influenced him.
During the discussion, Federer inquired of Burna Boy which albums he regards as the finest ever.
The African musician highlighted a variety of classic albums, such as Joe’s “My Name Is Joe,” Lil Wayne’s “Tha Carter III,” and 2Pac’s “Makaveli.”
He also highlighted all of Fela Kuti’s albums. However, when asked which of these pieces inspired him the most, Burna Boy stated, “Honestly, none. I promise you. But, well, Fela had a significant impact on me.”
He mentioned that Fela’s records were a part of the background music of his childhood, influencing his surroundings and understanding of Afrobeat, even if they didn’t directly influence his own musical style.
Burna Boy also mentioned that his initial albums comprised the Joe album he got on his 10th birthday, along with Fela’s entire collection from his grandfather, highlighting that each Fela album is considered a “goat album” in his opinion.
My first album was the Joe album I received as a gift for my 10th birthday… I obtained all Fela albums from my grandfather. So every Fela album is a great album. Lil Wayne’s The Carter III. Tupac’s Makaveli.
The interview gave fans a glimpse into Burna Boy’s extensive musical preferences, mentioning rappers such as Tupac, Big Pun, J-Hus, and DMX from different eras, and referencing singers including Fuji artists like Saeed Usupa, along with international stars like Whitney Houston, Tina Turner, and Freddie Mercury.
He also shared how Freddie Mercury and Queen played a role in his father’s musical influences, reflecting a mix of African and global elements in his childhood.
In addition to his music, Burna Boy explored more personal elements of his life. He shared the source of his stage name, connecting it to a comic-book character he developed as a child, who had the power of fire and could fly.
“That’s essentially how I came up with the name Burna Boy, as I wanted to be a character in a comic book,” he explained.
He also discussed family customs, especially Christmas, which he referred to as a holy period for being with cherished family members.
Even with a busy work schedule, he highlighted the value of spending the day as a family.
Burna Boy described a lively scene of family Christmas festivities, explaining how they value being together rather than following strict plans. He mentioned the difficulty of balancing professional commitments with customs, but emphasized that the holiday is still a moment for reuniting, enjoying meals, and building enduring memories with relatives.
Another nostalgic subject was food, as Burna Boy recalled his favorite dishes from childhood. He fondly remembered, “Fried yams and stew with all the meats you can find… Like beef or sausage… When I was a child, I used to eat yams and then take a nap on the bench.”
Although Fela Kuti’s music had a significant influence on his early life, Burna Boy emphasizes that his creative path has been shaped by his own perspective and personal encounters.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).






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