Burna Boy: Fela’s comparison is not honourable… it makes me feel weird

Damini Ogulu, Nigerian Afrofusion sensation better known as Burna Boy, says comparison between him and Fela Kuti, Afrobeat legend, is not honourable.

The award-winning singer disclosed this while speaking with GQ, a New York-based men’s magazine, where he reflected on his music career so far.

Burna Boy recently caused a stir on social media when he described himself as the best in the country’s music industry since Fela.

Many including, Seun Kuti, son of the late music legend, had aimed digs at the ‘Ye’ crooner, noting such comment was uncalled for.

But in the recent interview, the 28-year-old music superstar resisted the comparison with Fela, saying it makes him feel “weird”.

He that noted the late music icon was his inspiration while growing up, adding that there wouldn’t have been him without people like Fela.

“I don’t think anybody in their right mind would compare me to Fela,” he said.

“Fela is my inspiration and my childhood hero, so if you think comparing me to Fela is honorable, it’s actually not.

“It actually makes me feel weird. Fela was Fela, and if it wasn’t for Fela, there probably wouldn’t be any me, so I don’t understand the comparison.”

The ‘African Giant’ crooner also reflected on the controversies that trailed the cancellation of his trip to South Africa for the ‘Africa Unite’ concert during the heat of the xenophobic attacks in the country.

He pointed out that his rants on the issue was borne out of his passion for a united Africa, adding that the continent needs to wake up towards building a peaceful atmosphere.

“It’s all just very f*cked-up and twisted, and I wish to God that it wasn’t so, but it is, and all I can do is try and do my part to change it, no matter how small that part is,” he said.

“It’s almost as if the oppressors have won when the oppressed start acting like this. Do you understand? My family is in Africa, which is why you will hear me speaking on the South Africa issue, which is why it strikes a nerve.

“It’s almost like having your whole body, and your hand is not working. That’s what it feels like… Everybody should wake the f*ck up. South Africa and the whole of Africa needs to wake the f*ck up.”