Burna Boy speaks on working with Grammy winners, Afro-fusion genre

With Afropop fast becoming Africa’s biggest musical export, Burna Boy has resolutely stuck to his own genre, having pioneered a unique sound called Afro-fusion.

During his 2016 ‘Homecoming Concert’ at London’s Hammersmith Apollo, the fans’ reaction, turnout, and reception of his songs suggested that his merger of different sounds had some semblance of mass appeal.

The singer has over the years proven to be consistent in his genre as well as comfortable being in a different lane from his counterparts in the Nigerian music industry.

In an interview with The Native, the singer was asked to explain his process of creating music, and he couldn’t help but re-emphasise his musical identity.

Burna Boy said: “I’m not a rapper, or a singer, I’m not even an Afrobeats singer, I’m an Afro-Fusionist, it’s a spiritual genre of music, it just comes. You get chosen and it just works out for you.”

The singer further explains: “It’s fusion because it’s everything. Whatever the spirit decides, that’s what it’s going to be.”

Burna Boy also disclosed that he has done “a million” collaborations with international artistes, including Grammy winners.

And in his usual self-assured manner, the singer added that he “never approached” any of the people he’s worked with.

He said some of the recordings will be released in 2017.

“I’ve done a million of them, you’re going to hear too many next year, it’s not a secret, there are features with Grammy winners and all that,” he said.

“I’ve never actually approached people before, I think that’s what happens when you’re original and real, you get me? There’s going to be an attraction when your style is clear.”