The Skin Tight crooner made the disclosure while speaking during an appearance on the Afropolitan Podcast, where he discussed the creative influences that shape his music and the conscious decisions he makes during the recording process.
According to Mr Eazi, his decision has nothing to do with personal differences or rivalry, stressing that he holds Burna Boy in high regard and deeply respects his artistry.
“I don’t like listening to Burna Boy’s songs — I’ve said it before. If I listen to so much Burna, you’ll hear it in my music,” he said.
The singer explained that both artistes possess similarly deep vocal textures, which makes it easier for Burna Boy’s delivery, rhythm and vocal patterns to unconsciously influence his own recordings whenever he listens extensively to the Grammy-winning musician.
Mr Eazi noted that Burna Boy’s musical style is highly distinctive and powerful, adding that prolonged exposure to it could unintentionally shape the direction of his sound in the studio.
Rather than risk losing the originality that helped him build his brand in the Afrobeats industry, the singer said he intentionally limits how often he listens to Burna Boy’s catalogue.
The businessman and music executive further implied that preserving artistic individuality remains important to him, especially in an industry where similarities in sound can easily blur creative identity.
Over the years, both Mr Eazi and Burna Boy have become prominent global ambassadors of Afrobeats, although each artiste has developed a unique musical approach.
While Burna Boy is widely known for blending Afrobeats with reggae, dancehall and African folk influences, Mr Eazi gained popularity through his laid-back “Banku Music” style — a fusion of Ghanaian highlife, Nigerian chord progressions and contemporary Afro-pop rhythms.
Despite avoiding Burna Boy’s music for creative reasons, Mr Eazi’s comments reflected admiration rather than criticism, highlighting the level of influence Burna Boy’s sound commands within the African music scene.