Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, has revealed that his music director and drummer, Emmanuel Abiola-Jacobs, better known as Manny or MD, may never have met his wife if he had followed through with his plans to leave secular music.
Burna Boy made the revelation while speaking at Manny’s wedding over the weekend, where he reflected on his longtime band member’s journey and the role The Outsiders played in bringing the couple together.
According to the singer, Manny had at some point considered abandoning secular music and returning to gospel music and Christianity. Burna Boy, however, suggested that such a decision could have dramatically changed Manny’s life, including his chances of meeting his wife.
The Grammy winner jokingly told guests at the wedding that Manny’s decision to remain in music ultimately paved the way for the relationship that led to the marriage.
“It’s the little things that piss me. have you asked them how they met? You all are just eating and drinking.
“Manny, you said you wanted to dump music and go back to Jesus and Christianity? If you had quit music, would you and your wife have met? I have given myself thanks because this wedding would not have happened if you gave up music and went to the church clapping and praising the sky,” he said.
Burna Boy’s remarks drew attention to the close bond between members of The Outsiders, the band that has accompanied him through various stages of his international career.
The singer appeared to take credit, albeit humorously, for keeping Manny within the music space at a time when the drummer was contemplating a return to gospel music.
He joked that if Manny had left the secular music industry, he would likely have been spending his time in church rather than enjoying what Burna Boy described as the “good life” he currently has.
The comments added a light-hearted moment to the wedding celebration while also highlighting the personal relationships that have developed within Burna Boy’s musical circle over the years.
For Manny, what may once have been a consideration to leave secular music has ultimately coincided with a major personal milestone, as he celebrated his marriage surrounded by colleagues, friends and loved ones.