#ForbesAfricaIcons From Port Harcourt to the world’s biggest stages, Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, known professionally as Burna Boy, has built a global music career by staying true to his African roots and telling stories that resonate across borders. His international breakthrough came with Ye, followed by the albums African Giant and Twice As Tall. In 2021, the latter earned him a Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album, cementing his place among Africa’s leading musical exports. In a 2024 interview with the Financial Times, Burna Boy spoke about his ambition to tell authentic stories about Nigeria, particularly Port Harcourt, where he spent part of his formative years, while creating music that could connect with audiences worldwide. “I was just being myself,” he said, describing an approach grounded in artistic authenticity rather than chasing market expectations. That philosophy has continued to shape his career, demonstrating how cultural identity can be a powerful asset in the global music industry. His collaboration with Colombian singer Shakira on Dai Dai, the official song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marks another milestone in his international journey, extending the reach of African music to audiences around the world. Read Burna Boy’s full story in the #FORBESAFRICA15 issue. Get your digital copy here ⬇️ shop.forbesafrica.com/produc…

MEET THE ICONS Not measured by what they built, but by what still stands. Some of the continent’s most legendary minds in business, policy, art and sport are shaping what comes next for Africa. Read more from our #ForbesAfrica15 on our #ForbesAfricaIcons here⤵️ forbesafrica.pulse.ly/2dblpo…