The ‘Last Last’ hitmaker made the statement during a recent livestream session with Australian streamer Playboymax, where he described Fela as the ultimate musical figure on the continent.
“He [Fela Kuti] is the king. He is the only one [African artist] who is greater than me. He is the only one,” Burna Boy said confidently during the session.
The comment quickly went viral, drawing mixed reactions from fans and music critics. While some agreed with Burna Boy’s acknowledgment of Fela’s legendary status, others viewed his self-comparison as overly self-assured, reigniting long-standing debates over who ranks among Africa’s greatest musicians.
Burna Boy, who has earned global acclaim with multiple international awards and headline performances on major stages, is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most successful contemporary artists. Still, discussions about the continent’s musical hierarchy — featuring icons such as Fela Kuti, Miriam Makeba, Angelique Kidjo, Youssou N’Dour, and 2Baba — remain ongoing.
As Burna Boy continues to shape his global legacy, his latest comment adds yet another layer to the ever-evolving conversation about African musical greatness and Fela Kuti’s enduring influence on generations of artists.