Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy has clarified the role of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti in shaping his career in a recent interview with tennis icon Roger Federer on Complex’s GOAT Talk.
Originally shown on YouTube on September 24, the program, “Burna Boy & Roger Federer Debate The Best & Worst Things Ever,” has just made a reappearance online, providing fans with a close-up view of the superstar’s influences, personal preferences, and the treasured customs that molded him.
Federer questioned Burna Boy about the albums he believes are the best of all time during the discussion.
Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter III, 2Pac’s Makaveli, and Joe’s My Name Is Joe were among the many timeless songs mentioned by the Afro star.
Additionally, he emphasized every record by Fela Kuti. But when asked which of these pieces most influenced him, Burna Boy responded, “Honestly, none. I promise you. But, well, Fela was a big influence on me.”
The ‘Angelina’ crooner explained that Fela’s records were part of the soundtrack of his childhood, shaping his environment and awareness of Afrobeat, even if they did not directly guide his own music.
Burna Boy also mentioned that his grandfather gave him Fela’s whole discography as well as the Joe album for his tenth birthday, highlighting the fact that, in his opinion, every Fela record is still a “goat album.”
“For my first album, I got the Joe album for my 10th birthday gift… I got all the Fela albums from my granddad. So every Fela album is a great album. Lil Wayne’s The Carter III, and Tupac’s Makaveli.”
The interview gave fans a glimpse into Burna Boy’s larger musical tastes, mentioning rappers such as Tupac, Big Pun, J-Hus, and DMX from different generations, as well as vocalists such as Fuji performer Saeed Usupa and global legends Whitney Houston, Tina Turner, and Freddie Mercury.
He also discussed how Freddie Mercury and Queen influenced his father’s musical taste, demonstrating a mix of African and international influences in his upbringing.
Burna Boy went beyond music to explore more personal elements of his life. He explained the origins of his stage name, relating it to a comic-book avatar he invented as a boy, complete with fire powers and the capacity to fly.
“That’s actually how I got the name Burna Boy, because I wanted to be a character in the comic book,” he told me.
He also discussed family traditions, including Christmas, which he defined as a precious time to spend at home with loved ones.
Despite the demands of a work schedule, he emphasized the value of spending the day together.
Burna Boy offered a vivid picture of family Christmas gatherings, emphasizing how they value presence over arrangements.
He acknowledged the difficulty of balancing careers and customs but emphasized that the holiday is still a time for bonding, sharing meals, and making lasting memories with extended family.
Food was another sentimental theme, with Burna Boy reflecting on his childhood loves. He vividly remembered, “Fried yams and stew with all the meats you can get.” Like beef or sausage… When I was a kid, I would eat yams and sleep on the bench.
While Fela Kuti’s music played a crucial part in his upbringing, Burna Boy makes it apparent that his artistic career has been guided by his personal vision and experiences.
