Joy for Africa as Burna Boy gets listed on “Times” 100 Most Influential People.

Burna Boy, a Nigerian singer-songwriter, has been listed as one of TIME‘s 100 Most Influential People of 2024. 

The announcement was made on April 17. Fellow African artist Angélique Kidjo wrote an essay highlighting Burna’s outstanding achievements. 

These include being the first African artist to sell out a U.S. stadium when he performed at New York City’s Citi Field in July 2023. 

Burna also became the first Afrobeats artist to sing at the Grammys, where he performed “Sittin’ on Top of the World”, featuring Brandy and 21 Savage.

Kidjo wrote, “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. 

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

Burna Boy wrote the essay for his “Sittin’ on Top of the World” collaborator, 21 Savage, who also made the TIME 100 list. “Like 21, I know what it’s like to rise above challenging beginnings, and it makes his success all that much more remarkable. … His approach to rap is refreshingly genuine; he speaks to us in a relatable way, effortlessly navigating the complexities of the genre,” he reflected in part. “I’m excited to witness the greater evolution of his artistry and the impact he continues to make on the world stage.”

Other musical artists, such as Dua Lipa, Fantasia, and Kylie Minogue, are also included on the list.

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