Grammy recipient Burna Boy rejected suggestions that Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti inspired his musical career during discussions with tennis champion Roger Federer. The Nigerian artist acknowledged that Fela's recordings shaped his early years but denied drawing creative inspiration from them. His first album came as a tenth birthday present featuring R&B performer Joe's music. Burna Boy obtained Fela's work through his grandfather Benson Idonjie, who served as the Afrobeat pioneer's original manager.
The musician also referenced Lil Wayne's Tha Carter III and Tupac's Makaveli as childhood soundtrack elements. Federer inquired about which recordings impacted him most significantly. Burna Boy responded that none affected him directly while simultaneously calling Fela a major influence on his development. Fans expressed surprise at these contradictory statements given his frequent sampling of Fela's compositions in popular tracks like Ye, My Money My Baby, and Gbona.
The musician also referenced Lil Wayne's Tha Carter III and Tupac's Makaveli as childhood soundtrack elements. Federer inquired about which recordings impacted him most significantly. Burna Boy responded that none affected him directly while simultaneously calling Fela a major influence on his development. Fans expressed surprise at these contradictory statements given his frequent sampling of Fela's compositions in popular tracks like Ye, My Money My Baby, and Gbona.
