Reflecting on Burna Boy's journey to success

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Burna Boy

The rise to fame of Grammy Award-winning singer Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu who is better known by his stage name Burna Boy is a tale of dedication, perseverance, and hard work.

His current success did not come to him on a silver platter. He started his singing career in Nigeria, where he encountered difficulties such as lack of resources and assistance.

The self-acclaimed African Giant signed with the Aristokrat record label in 2011, and in 2013 he released his debut album, "L.I.F.E."

Burna Boy, however, was dissatisfied with the way the label handled the album's promotion and marketing, and they also refused to give the 10 million naira upfront payment that had been agreed upon.

The singer then vehemently complained to the label about it, but nothing was done. Later, he was forced to separate from the label amicably in order to join another record label.

Prior to Burna Boy's signing with Aristokrat, he was banned from the United Kingdom for 15 years for being involved in a gang that stabbed someone to death in UK.

He was tried in a juvenile court, found guilty, and imprisoned. Burna Boy was granted parole after serving his term for eleven (11) months due to good behavior.

He allegedly flouted the conditions of his parole, and went back to Nigeria to continue his singing career.

In 2017, Burna Boy joined Warner Music Group and Bad Habit/Atlantic Records in the US. His third studio album, "Outside," was released in 2018 under that record label.

He established the record company Spaceship Entertainment, which also signed singer, Buju.

Burna Boy persisted in making music that resonated with his listeners and fans despite the various challenges he encountered.

He eventually gained popularity outside of Nigeria as a result of the worldwide music industry's interest in his distinctive sound and approach.

Today, Burna Boy is a global music sensation, with multiple awards and collaborations with other top artistes including Beyonce, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Justin Bieber among a host of others.

Burna Boy's musical journey, is proof of the strength of commitment and tenacity.