Grammy Award-winning artist Burna Boy has alleged that influential figures within the Nigerian music industry deliberately tried to sabotage his career in its early stages.
The “Last Last” hitmaker made the revelation while reacting to a resurfaced video clip from an interview featuring veteran Nigerian music executive Obi Asika. In the interview, Asika claimed that several industry gatekeepers attempted to frustrate Burna Boy’s rise to fame but failed, as the singer eventually bypassed them and achieved global success.
Responding to the viral clip, Burna Boy took to the comments section of a popular entertainment blog on Instagram to confirm the allegations and shed more light on the extent of the challenges he faced.
“This is not even half of the story,” Burna Boy wrote. “They did everything they possibly could to break me. They are still trying their best. Lol. But all they did was create this unquenchable fire that will continue to burn them for eternity.”
Burna Boy, whose real name is Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, burst onto the Nigerian music scene in 2012 with his breakout single “Like to Party,” a feel-good anthem off his debut studio album L.I.F.E (Leaving an Impact for Eternity). The song immediately captured the attention of young Nigerians and established him as one of the promising new talents in the Afrobeats genre.
However, despite his early success, Burna Boy’s career soon encountered major setbacks. For a period, he found himself sidelined within the mainstream Nigerian music scene, relegated to the status of an underground artist. During those challenging years, his music often failed to receive the widespread support and airplay that other rising stars were enjoying.
The singer has now revealed that his struggles during this time were not merely coincidental but were the result of active efforts by powerful figures within the industry to stifle his growth.
Industry insiders have long speculated about an informal network of “gatekeepers” — influential managers, promoters, radio heads, and executives — who allegedly wield significant power over which artists rise or fall in Nigeria’s competitive entertainment sector.
According to Burna Boy, these individuals not only withheld opportunities but also worked behind the scenes to tarnish his image and block his advancement. Despite these obstacles, Burna Boy remained undeterred, focusing on honing his craft and expanding his sound beyond the borders of Nigeria.
His perseverance paid off when he dropped the critically acclaimed album “Outside” in 2018. The project featured the international hit song “Ye,” which many fans and critics regard as his global breakthrough. The track resonated with audiences far beyond Nigeria, earning Burna Boy widespread recognition and solidifying his reputation as one of Africa’s most dynamic music exports.
Following his newfound success overseas, Burna Boy experienced a dramatic turnaround in his home country. Nigerian fans, music executives, and media outlets who had once sidelined him began embracing him again. His reputation soared, and he quickly rose to become one of the continent’s most sought-after and respected artists.
In the last few years, Burna Boy has established himself as the number one touring African artist, headlining major festivals and selling out arenas across Europe, North America, and beyond. His albums “African Giant” and “Twice As Tall” received global acclaim, with the latter winning the Best Global Music Album at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards.
Reflecting on his journey, Burna Boy’s comments highlight the resilience and determination that have characterized his career. Rather than succumbing to industry politics and closed doors, he charted his own path and found success on his own terms.
“This fire they tried to extinguish only burns brighter now,” he emphasized in his Instagram comment. “And it’s a fire they will have to watch for eternity.”
Fans and supporters flooded social media with reactions, praising Burna Boy’s courage to speak out against industry injustices. Many also celebrated his achievements as a testament to self-belief, hard work, and the ability to overcome systemic obstacles.
One fan wrote, “Burna Boy’s story is the blueprint for every upcoming artist. Never beg for seats at tables you can build yourself.”
Another added, “They tried to bury him, but they didn’t know he was a seed. Look at him now — global superstar!”
Today, Burna Boy stands as a symbol of African excellence, using his platform to advocate for African culture, identity, and empowerment. His journey from being blacklisted by the industry to performing on the world’s biggest stages serves as a powerful inspiration to countless young talents across the continent.
Despite his success, Burna Boy remains vocal about the need for structural reforms in the Nigerian music industry. He has consistently urged for greater transparency, fairness, and opportunities for all artists, regardless of their connections or affiliations.
As Burna Boy continues to make history and break barriers, his story serves as a reminder that true talent and determination can never be suppressed — not by individuals, nor by systems.
