Grammy-winning Nigerian singer, Burna Boy, has dismissed claims that he was inspired by Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Kuti.
During a recent conversation with tennis legend Roger Federer, the African Giant hitmaker stated that Fela’s records were among the albums that defined his formative years, but he wasn’t inspired by them.
Burna Boy explained that the first album he got was the record of R&B artist, Joe, as his 10th birthday gift.
He revealed that he got Fela’s album from his grandad, Benson Idonjie, who was the Afrobeat musician’s first manager.
He also shared that Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter III and Tupac’s Makaveli album were also among the theme songs of his childhood.
Federer then asked which of those records had the biggest impact on him. Burna Boy replier, “Honestly, none,” but added, “Fela was a big influence on me.”
Burna Boy’s claims of not being inspired by Fela came as a rude shock to many as he has sampled the Afrobeat pioneer in several of his songs, including hits like ‘Ye’, ‘My Money, My Baby’, and ‘Gbona’.