Burna Boy Denies Being Inspired By Fela Kuti

Grammy-winning Nigerian star Burna Boy says Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti did not inspire his music.

Speaking with tennis icon Roger Federer, Burna Boy acknowledged Fela’s albums shaped part of his childhood but insisted they weren’t his source of inspiration.

He revealed his first album was R&B singer Joe’s record, gifted on his 10th birthday, while his grandfather, Benson Idonije—Fela’s first manager, later gave him Fela’s album. He also grew up listening to Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter III and Tupac’s Makaveli.

Asked which of those records had the biggest impact, Burna Boy replied, “Honestly, none,” though he admitted Fela was “a big influence.”

His remarks have sparked debate, given that he has sampled Fela in hits like Ye, My Money, My Baby, and Gbona.