Burna Boy: From the shadow of the “Big 3” to the light of global success
Burna Boy, the famous Nigerian artist, recently made a bold statement at an event in front of his fans. While addressing the crowd, he confidently said: “Whenever they talk about the Big 3, tell them there’s a Big 2 and then there’s Burna Boy”. This statement has fans excited, but it also raises questions about the importance of charts and categories in the music industry.
It is true that the term “Big 3” is often used to refer to the three most influential artists in the Nigerian music industry, namely Wizkid, Davido and Burna Boy. These three artists captured the ears of the public with their international hits and achieved worldwide fame. However, Burna Boy seems to reject this classification and claims his place outside this restricted circle.
This statement by Burna Boy can be interpreted in several ways. On the one hand, this can be seen as arrogance on his part, an attempt to distance himself from other artists and claim his uniqueness. On the other hand, it can also be interpreted as an affirmation of his own worth and dominance in the music industry, as if he is saying: “I am above this competition, I am Burna Boy”.
Regardless, the facts are there to support Burna Boy’s claims. His album “African Giant” was nominated in the “Best Global Album” category at the 2020 Grammy Awards, and he won the prestigious award the following year with his album “Twice As Tall.” He is therefore the first Nigerian artist to win a Grammy, which confirms his unique position on the world music scene.
Beyond his successes and distinctions, Burna Boy has managed to distinguish himself through his unique musical style and his committed lyrics. He uses his music to address social and political issues, and he is considered a spokesperson for Nigerian and African youth. His powerful voice and onstage energy captivate crowds and have earned him a devoted fan base around the world.
In the end, whether Burna Boy is part of the “Big 3” or rejects it, it doesn’t matter. What matters is his contribution to the music industry and his ability to inspire others with his music. With his growing global success and willingness to break away from established norms, Burna Boy is undoubtedly an artist worth watching closely.