Burna Boy, 21 Savage Make TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2024

Burna Boy has been named as one of TIME‘s 100 most influential people of 2024, while US-based British rapper 21 Savage is the only rapper to appear in the new edition which was announced on Wednesday (April 17).

Fellow Grammy-winning African artist Angélique Kidjo penned the essay highlighting Burna’s outstanding achievements, from becoming the first African artist to sell out a U.S. stadium — when the “Last Last” singer performed at New York City’s Citi Field last July — to becoming the first Afrobeats artist to sing at the Grammys, when he brought Brandy and 21 Savage on stage to perform “Sittin’ on Top of the World” (which was up for best melodic rap performance this year).

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

Also US-based British rapper 21 Savage is the only rapper to appear on Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2024 list.

Burna Boy paid tribute to 21 Savage in an essay expressing his admiration for his friend’s artistry and humanity.

“I trust my gut when it comes to my music and collaborations, and I find myself naturally drawn to artists like 21 Savage—those who remain grounded in their convictions and consistently defy the constraints imposed upon them. Like 21, I know what it’s like to rise above challenging beginnings, and it makes his success all that much more remarkable,” Burna Boy wrote. “Throughout his work—including on his newest album, American Dream, which opens with a reflection by his mother on their immigration story—21 maintains an authenticity that resonates deeply.”

“His approach to rap is refreshingly genuine; he speaks to us in a relatable way, effortlessly navigating the complexities of the genre. Whether he tackles weighty subjects or offers moments of levity, his delivery remains compelling,” Burna Boy continued. 

“I have recently had the privilege of sharing one of my most significant milestones with 21, performing with him at the Grammys,” he added. “I’m excited to witness the greater evolution of his artistry and the impact he continues to make on the world stage.”

For most of 2023, 21 Savage was out on the road on Drake’s It’s All A Blur Tour before releasing his highly anticipated album American Dream in January.

His fourth solo project debuted at the top of the Billboard 200 with 133,000 equivalent album sales during the first week of its release.

Along with 21 Savage, Tarij P. Henson, Patrick Mahomes, Fantasia Barrino, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Colman Domingo, James McBride, Jeffrey Wright, and more. 

The Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People recognition honours individuals who have made a significant impact on the world through their art, activism, and cultural influence

April 19, 2024