Nigerian music is going global and Burna Boy is leading the charge.
Alongside compatriots Wizkid, Davido, Mr Eazi and Odunsi The Engine, a deft new sound has been forged, inspired by their country’s musical icons but with international flavour and sleek production. Burna Boy’s niche is Afrofusion, a seductive blend of Afrobeat, dancehall, reggae, hip-hop and R&B. He’s previously worked with the likes of Dave, J Hus and Drake, and on African Giant he features Future, YG, Jorja Smith and others, further boosting his profile in the UK and US. It’s his musical and lyrical dexterity, however, that has cultivated a multi-continent fanbase.
On Dangote, his flow is texturally versatile, weaving between a sultry beat. He uses the story of Aliko Dangote, now the richest man in Africa, as inspiration for those in poverty — far from the superficiality of many Afropop lyrics.
There are reverent nods to Burna Boy’s idol Fela Kuti throughout, such as the saxophone flourishes on Gbona and Anybody. On The Low is an enchanting love song with lush pianos, while Killin Dem is menacingly percussive.
With 19 tracks, though, African Giant is overlong — more concise and it would be Burna Boy’s best work yet.
