Grammy Award-winning Nigerian artist Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, has revealed that there was a time in his life when he felt more connected to Jamaica than to his home country, Nigeria.
In a candid interview with Capital Xtra in London, Burna Boy spoke about how his environment deeply shaped his identity while he was studying in Brixton, UK — an area known for its strong Caribbean community.
“Jamaica has always been close to my heart,” he said. “Growing up, my dad used to play a lot of Super Cat and other Jamaican artists. Later, when I moved to Brixton, most of the people around me were Jamaicans or from other Caribbean backgrounds. At that point, I actually felt more Jamaican.”
Burna Boy explained that while his Nigerian roots have always been important to him, his time in the UK surrounded him with Caribbean influences that left a lasting mark. He added that even the few Africans he mingled with back then were mostly from countries like Gambia, Uganda, and Congo — rarely Nigerians.
Over the years, Burna Boy has been open about his love for Jamaican culture, describing the island as his second home and crediting reggae and dancehall as major influences in his sound. Notably, he dated British-Jamaican rapper Stefflon Don between 2019 and 2021, further deepening his ties with the Caribbean community.
His revelation has sparked fresh conversations among fans about how diaspora life shapes cultural identity — and why Burna Boy’s sound continues to resonate globally.
Fans React:
- “Makes sense why his sound is so unique — he blends Afrobeat with dancehall so effortlessly!”
- “His Jamaican connection is real. It shows in the vibe of his music.”
