Burna Boy, born Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, is a Nigerian music powerhouse whose unique sound blends Afrobeats, reggae, dancehall, and hip-hop into what he calls Afro-fusion. Rising from Port Harcourt, his magnetic presence and rich vocals have earned him critical acclaim and global recognition, including a Grammy Award and multiple chart-topping albums.
Known as the “African Giant,” Burna Boy is celebrated not only for his artistry but also for his bold commentary on African identity and social justice. With deep roots in music and a legacy tied to legends like Fela Kuti, he continues to redefine African music on the world stage.
Profile
- Full Name: Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu
- Stage Name: Burna Boy
- Date of Birth: July 2, 1991
- Age: 34 (as of 2025)
- Place of Birth: Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
- Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Ethnicity: African
- Religion: Christianity
- Height: 6’1″ (185 cm)
- Weight: 84 kg (185 lbs)
- Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Early Life and Education
Burna Boy, born Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu on July 2, 1991, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, was raised in a culturally rich and musically inclined household. His father, Samuel Ogulu, managed a welding business, while his mother, Bose Ogulu, worked as a language translator and later became his manager. Burna Boy’s maternal grandfather, Benson Idonije, was a renowned music critic and the first band manager of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti. This familial connection to music played a significant role in shaping Burna Boy’s artistic identity and passion for Afrobeat and its fusion with other genres.
Growing up in Southern Nigeria, Burna Boy was exposed to a variety of musical influences. His early years were spent in Port Harcourt, but he later moved to Lagos, where he began to develop a deeper interest in music. He attended Montessori International School for his primary education and later enrolled at Corona Secondary School in Agbara, Ogun State. It was during his secondary school years that he began experimenting with music production, using the software FruityLoops to create beats. This hands-on experience laid the foundation for his future career as a music producer and performer.
After completing his secondary education, Burna Boy moved to the United Kingdom to pursue higher studies. He first attended the University of Sussex, where he studied Media Technology from 2008 to 2009. His time in Sussex allowed him to explore the technical aspects of media and music production, further enhancing his skills and understanding of the industry. Following his stint at Sussex, he transferred to Oxford Brookes University to study Media Communications and Culture. This academic background provided him with a broader perspective on global media trends and cultural dynamics, which would later influence his music and public persona.
Despite his academic pursuits, Burna Boy’s passion for music remained unwavering. He eventually returned to Nigeria to fully commit to his music career. Upon his return, he interned at Rhythm 93.7 FM in Port Harcourt, gaining firsthand experience in the Nigerian music scene. This period marked a turning point in his life, as he began to focus intensely on creating and recording music. His early mixtapes, including Burn Notice and Burn Identity, showcased his unique sound and lyrical prowess, earning him a growing fan base and industry attention.
Burna Boy’s early life and education reflect a blend of cultural heritage, academic exploration, and artistic experimentation. His upbringing in a musically enriched family, combined with formal education in media and communications, equipped him with the tools to craft a distinctive musical identity. These formative experiences not only shaped his sound but also instilled in him a deep sense of purpose and commitment to representing African culture on the global stage. Today, Burna Boy stands as a testament to how early exposure, education, and passion can converge to create a world-renowned artist.
Personal Life
As of 2025, Burna Boy is not married and has no children. His romantic life, however, has drawn significant public attention over the years. He was in a high-profile relationship with British rapper Stefflon Don from 2018 to 2022. Their relationship was widely celebrated, with Stefflon even referring to Burna as her “husband” in interviews, though they never officially married. After their breakup, Burna Boy was linked to Jo Pearl, a British model, and later to Princess Shyngle, a Gambian actress. Most recently, he has reportedly been dating American R&B singer Chlöe Bailey since late 2024.
Burna Boy comes from a family deeply rooted in music and culture. His mother, Bose Ogulu, is not only his manager but also a former translator and educator. She has played a pivotal role in his career, often seen accompanying him to award shows and public events. His father, Samuel Ogulu, is a businessman who ran a welding company. Burna Boy’s maternal grandfather, Benson Idonije, was a respected music critic and once managed Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, further enriching Burna’s musical heritage.
Outside of music, Burna Boy is known for his love of luxury and fashion. He owns several high-end cars, including a Lamborghini Urus, Bentley Continental GT, and Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon. He splits his time between Lagos and London and is a vocal supporter of Manchester United. Despite his fame, he maintains a relatively private personal life, occasionally sharing glimpses through social media but often keeping deeper details out of the spotlight.
Career
Burna Boy’s career began in earnest in 2010, but it was his 2012 single “Like to Party” that truly launched him into the spotlight. The track, a standout from his debut album L.I.F.E (Leaving an Impact for Eternity), showcased his Afro-fusion style, a blend of Afrobeats, reggae, dancehall, and hip-hop. The album was a commercial success, selling tens of thousands of copies on its release day and earning praise for its production and lyrical depth. Burna Boy quickly became one of Nigeria’s most promising new artists, known for his distinctive voice and socially conscious themes.
In 2015, Burna Boy released his second studio album, On a Spaceship, after parting ways with Aristokrat Records and founding his own label, Spaceship Entertainment. The album further cemented his reputation as a versatile artist, capable of shifting between introspective ballads and energetic club anthems. He followed up with the Redemption EP in 2016, which included the hit single “Pree Me.” These projects helped him build a loyal fan base and positioned him for international success.
His third album, Outside, released in 2018, marked a turning point. Featuring collaborations with UK artists like J Hus and Lily Allen, the album introduced Burna Boy to a global audience. The single “Ye” became a breakout hit, earning widespread acclaim and becoming one of the most streamed Nigerian songs of the year. That same year, he performed at London’s O2 Academy Brixton and was named YouTube’s Artist on the Rise. His growing popularity led to a record deal with Atlantic Records and Warner Music Group, expanding his reach beyond Africa.
In 2019, Burna Boy released African Giant, a critically acclaimed album that earned him his first Grammy nomination for Best World Music Album. The project featured collaborations with international stars like Future, Damian Marley, and Jorja Smith. He followed up with Twice as Tall in 2020, executive produced by Diddy and his mother, Bose Ogulu. The album won the Grammy for Best Global Music Album, making Burna Boy the first Nigerian solo artist to receive the award. His success continued with Love, Damini in 2022 and I Told Them… in 2023, both of which topped charts and broke streaming records.
Beyond studio albums, Burna Boy has become a global touring force. He’s performed at Coachella, Glastonbury, and Madison Square Garden, and in 2023, he became the first African artist to headline and sell out a stadium show in the United States. His music, often infused with messages of African pride and political awareness, has earned him accolades including multiple BET Awards, MOBO Awards, and a spot on Rolling Stone’s list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time. Burna Boy’s career is a testament to his talent, vision, and ability to bridge cultures through music.
Burna Boy’s Albums
- L.I.F.E (Leaving an Impact for Eternity) – Released: August 12, 2013
- On a Spaceship – Released: November 25, 2015
- Outside – Released: January 26, 2018
- African Giant – Released: July 26, 2019
- Twice as Tall – Released: August 14, 2020
- Love, Damini – Released: July 8, 2022
- I Told Them… – Released: August 25, 2023
- No Sign of Weakness – Scheduled Release: July 11, 2025
Net Worth
As of 2025, Burna Boy’s net worth is estimated to be between $12 million and $30 million, depending on the source. His wealth stems from global music sales, sold-out tours, streaming royalties, and high-profile endorsements with brands like Pepsi, Spotify, and Star Lager.
He owns a luxurious mansion in Lagos and a fleet of exotic cars, including Rolls-Royces, Lamborghinis, and Maybachs. Though not confirmed to own a private jet, he frequently charters one for international performances. Burna Boy’s financial success reflects his status as one of Africa’s most influential and commercially successful music artists.