Global Afrobeats superstar and Grammy-winning Nigerian artist, Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, has revealed that starting a family is not on his immediate agenda — and won’t be, as long as he remains actively touring around the world.
In a candid interview with BBC Radio 1Xtra in London, the 34-year-old Afro-fusion icon said that while he envisions having a family one day, it is not something he’s willing to begin amidst his current fast-paced, globe-trotting lifestyle.
“Yeah, [starting a family] is something I would like to do,” Burna Boy admitted when asked if fatherhood was on his mind. “But I don’t want to start that on the road. I’m not planning on quitting tours anytime soon, so I don’t know where to now put that — find a middle ground.”
The ‘African Giant’ hitmaker, known for his deep lyrical expression, unapologetic authenticity, and chart-topping records, gave fans a rare glimpse into his personal reflections — especially around the pressure of balancing global fame with the demands of family life.
Burna Boy has been on a seemingly non-stop global tour cycle over the past few years, performing at sold-out venues across Europe, North America, Africa, and the Middle East. His high-energy shows, soulful performances, and commanding stage presence have become hallmarks of his international appeal.
But behind the lights and cameras, the Nigerian megastar appears to be wrestling with the realities of fame: the sacrifices, the long hours, and the personal milestones that must sometimes be postponed.
“I don’t want to start [a family] on the road,” he emphasized again. “There’s no way to be a present father or husband when you’re constantly moving. That’s not the kind of family life I want.”
Burna Boy’s revelation aligns with a broader narrative he has been sharing about how he views his career. In another part of the interview, the singer revealed that he doesn’t even take holidays — not because he doesn’t need rest, but because he believes his life is too intertwined with his passion to require an escape from it.
“I haven’t gone on a holiday since I started music,” he said. “One of the reasons I don’t even think about it is because I don’t have kids. When you have a family, I feel like you need to make time. But right now, I’m all in.”
That “all in” lifestyle has indeed fueled Burna Boy’s meteoric rise in the global music industry. Since his 2012 breakout hit “Like to Party,” he has released multiple acclaimed albums, including Outside, African Giant, and the Grammy-winning Twice as Tall. His 2022 global anthem “Last Last” cemented his status as a global phenomenon, further expanding his fanbase far beyond the African continent.
Despite his fame, Burna Boy has often maintained a mystique about his private life, rarely commenting publicly on romantic relationships or family planning. But his BBC interview offered a more open and reflective version of the usually guarded star.
Industry observers suggest that Burna Boy’s honesty about not being ready for family life — despite public expectations — is another example of his refusal to conform to celebrity norms. While many stars his age face public pressure to “settle down,” he appears more focused on preserving the authenticity of his journey and protecting the integrity of his personal choices.
“For Burna, everything is about intention,” a close industry associate who has worked with the singer told Africa Live News. “If he’s going to start a family, he wants to do it right. Not as a side project or PR stunt, but as a full-on commitment.”
Fans online have responded to his comments with mixed reactions. While some praised his honesty and self-awareness, others expressed hope that he would still find time to build a family in the future.
“He’s not wrong,” wrote one fan on social media. “Being a present father is more than sending money. It’s about presence. If he can’t give that now, better to wait.”
Others suggested that Burna Boy, with his level of global recognition and resources, could still find ways to start a family while maintaining his career. But for the artist himself, the answer is clear — not yet.
“I’m not planning on quitting tours anytime soon,” he repeated during the interview, reinforcing his dedication to his global mission as an artist.
Burna Boy’s laser focus on his music career has undoubtedly paid off. Beyond the awards and chart success, he has become a cultural ambassador for African music and a global face of the Afrobeats movement. He has also used his platform to speak on issues ranging from police brutality in Nigeria to Black identity and empowerment across the diaspora.
Still, as his personal reflections show, success comes with trade-offs — and in Burna Boy’s case, it may be a while before he trades tour buses and arenas for bedtime stories and school runs.
For now, the self-styled “Odogwu” remains devoted to the stage, the studio, and the sound that changed his life.
“When the time is right,” he said with a knowing smile, “I’ll know.”
Until then, Burna Boy continues to live life on his own terms — unapologetically, passionately, and powerfully.