Burna Boy, the self acclaimed Afrobeat singer whose real name is Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, has been recognized as one of the Most Influential People of 2024.

The prestigious Times Magazine included him in their list of the Top 100 Most Influential People, acknowledging his significant impact on the music industry. The magazine spent considerable time deliberating and selecting individuals who have made a profound impact on the events and narratives of the year.

Angelique Kidjo, a Grammy-winning singer, wrote a tribute to Burna Boy, praising his contribution to African music. She stated how, in the past, she would advise young African musicians not to imitate American artists, emphasizing the importance of preserving the unique richness and beauty of traditional African music.

Kidjo believes that Burna Boy has successfully embodied this vision on a global scale. She commended his originality and distinctive style, which have captivated audiences worldwide. Notably, Burna Boy achieved several groundbreaking milestones, such as being the first African artist to sell out a stadium in the United States in 2023 and becoming the first Afrobeats artist to perform at the Grammy Awards in 2024.

Times Magazine released a statement on April 17, saying: “We spend months discussing who belongs on the TIME100, the people who we believe most changed the stories that define the past year.”

Angelique Kidjo, a multi-Grammy-winning singer, expressed her admiration for Burna Boy by writing a highly positive tribute about him which stated:  “Ten years ago or so when young African musicians would come to me for advice, I would tell them, ‘You don’t need to mimic American artists! The world needs the amazing richness and beauty of our traditional African music and our culture. This land is where most of modern music comes from. This source of inspiration is inexhaustible. Its freshness and its elegance will get the world’s attention for sure.’

Burna Boy has made that vision a global reality. Inspired by the fantastic drums of Nigerian folk music, and studied in the craft of the great African singer-songwriters, he follows in the footsteps of Fela Kuti—the internationally celebrated Afrobeats artist and activist.

Burna Boy’s deeply original flow and his signature groove have conquered the world with an impressive series of firsts: in 2023, he became the first African artist to sell out a U.S. stadium, and in 2024, he became the first Afrobeats artist to sing at the Grammys.

He is history in the making. Now a whole generation of young people from the continent is looking up to him.”

Recently, Burna Boy was included in Essence Magazine’s list of the most attractive men in the world.

The singer was placed alongside other renowned individuals, and the magazine highlighted his commanding stage presence and exceptional style, always appearing well-groomed and stylish.