Burna Boy Denies Fela Kuti As Musical Inspiration

Burna Boy Fela Kuti inspiration claim sparks backlash as the singer says the Afrobeat legend never truly inspired his music, despite widespread belief.

Burna Boy Fela Kuti inspiration comments have ignited a storm across social media after the Grammy-winning Nigerian star stated he was never truly inspired by the Afrobeat pioneer.

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Despite being widely regarded as a modern torchbearer of Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s legacy, Burna Boy made the revelation during a recent conversation with tennis icon Roger Federer.

Although the African Giant singer acknowledged Fela had a “big influence” during his early years—primarily through his grandfather, Benson Idonije, who managed Fela in his prime—he firmly rejected the idea that Fela shaped his artistic path.

“The first album I ever owned was Joe’s,” Burna Boy recalled, referencing the American R&B artist. “I got it for my tenth birthday. That’s what shaped me.”

He went on to credit albums like Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter III and Tupac’s Makaveli as the records that defined his youth, not Fela’s politically charged discography.

When Federer pressed him on which of those albums impacted him most, Burna Boy replied plainly: “Honestly, none. Fela was a big influence, but he didn’t inspire me.”

The blunt remark has shocked many fans, especially given that Burna Boy has repeatedly sampled Fela’s music in chart-topping tracks such as Ye, My Money, My Baby, and Gbona.

While some supporters argue he has the right to define his own influences, others see the statement as disingenuous or dismissive of Fela’s undeniable imprint on Nigerian music and Burna’s own sound.

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In the wake of the interview, the Burna Boy Fela Kuti inspiration debate has once again raised questions about how artists reinterpret cultural heritage—and whether influence always equals inspiration.