The self-proclaimed African giant helped pioneer a sound he’s currently dominating.
There’s no denying that Burna Boy is one of the biggest and most talented international icons to emerge from Africa’s rich music scene. His star power, cemented by eight defining studio albums, has led to history-making achievements, revolutionary music, and the birth of a new sound out of the dominating Afrobeats movement, elevated by the African giant himself. It’s no wonder he branded his signature style of music and fusing of cultures — it stands out above the rest.
For years, Burna Boy has boasted his self-defined Afro-fusion sound—an infectious genre-bending blend of Afrobeat, dancehall and reggae, hip-hop, and pop. He’s spread this pioneering vision to the masses worldwide, which helped him transcend borders and leave an undisputable mark on the music industry. While it’s impossible to shrink Burna Boy’s vast discography to one short list, here are five tracks that reveal the Grammy-winning afro-fusionist’s distinctive global sound.
“City Boys”
Burna Boy’s fan-favorite song “City Boys” perfectly exemplifies his ability to spur his unique style into a familiar yet totally transformed hit. With a sample of Jeremih’s classic song “Birthday Sex,” the Nigerian-born singer made a floor-stomping smash out of his sexy shenanigans.
“Sittin’ On Top of the World” feat. 21 Savage
“Ye”
“Anybody”
“Last Last”
Burna Boy held the summer down when he released his 2022 Billboard-charting hit “Last Last,” also considered one of the biggest songs of that year. Leaning again on old-school R&B samples, the superstar singer turned Toni Braxton’s 2000 track “He Wasn’t Man Enough” into an upgraded, captivating Afrobeat anthem, earning him a Grammy nomination.
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