He mentioned that his exposure to Jamaican music throughout his formative years significantly shaped his affection for the country
Grammy-winning Nigerian artist, Damini Ogulu, widely recognized as Burna Boy, has disclosed that there was a period in his life when he regarded himself as “more Jamaican.”
He elaborated that during his time studying in Brixton, United Kingdom, years ago, he was immersed in a Jamaican environment and forged a profound bond with the Caribbean nation.
He mentioned that his exposure to Jamaican music throughout his formative years significantly shaped his affection for the country.
In a conversation with Capital Xtra London, Burna Boy stated, “Jamaica has always been an integral part of my identity — from my father playing Super Cat and similar tracks during my childhood to my eventual arrival in Brixton, where almost every Nigerian in the UK was either attending school or residing in Peckham. I found myself in Brixton.
“Consequently, I viewed myself as more Jamaican at that time simply because everyone surrounding me was Jamaican and Caribbean. There were very few Nigerians in my vicinity at that time. When I return home to Nigeria, I am unequivocally a Nigerian. However, when I was here, I identified as Jamaican. Even the other Africans in my circle were not Nigerians; they were Gambians, Ugandans, and Congolese. There were merely two Nigerians in my group. ”
Burna Boy has previously indicated in an interview that he perceives Jamaica as “home. ”
He also remarked that his musical style is profoundly influenced by Jamaican reggae and dancehall.
Burna Boy was in a relationship with British-Jamaican rapper Stefflon Don from 2019 to 2021.
