Burna Boy Named in Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People of 2024

Nigerian afrobeats singer Burna Boy has been named in Time Magazine's prestigious list of the 100 Most Influential People in 2024. The Grammy-winning artist was recognized for taking afrobeats to new heights and inspiring other artists with his unique blend of musical genres, which he calls Afro-fusion.

Burna Boy was featured in the 'icons' category of the Time 100 list, which celebrates individuals who have left a lasting mark in their fields. Legendary Beninese singer Angélique Kidjo praised Burna Boy as a "historic figure," highlighting his "deeply original flow and signature groove that have conquered the world with impressive firsts." These accomplishments include becoming the first African artist to sell out a U.S. stadium in 2023 and the first Afrobeats artist to perform at the Grammys in 2024.

The Canadian Senate also commended Burna Boy's achievements, with Marcel Lebleu, Director General of West And Central African Bureau Global Affairs, Canada, noting that the artist performed twice at the 35,000-capacity Bell Centre in Montreal and sold out both times. Senator Peter Boehm, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, expressed his admiration for Burna Boy, confirming that he is a fan of the artist.

Why this matters: Burna Boy's inclusion in the Time 100 list underscores the growing global influence and recognition of African music, particularly the afrobeats genre. His success serves as an inspiration for aspiring artists and showcases the rich cultural heritage of the African continent.

Other influential Africans who secured spots on Time magazine's list include South African rugby captain Siya Kolisi, Kenyan social entrepreneur Kennedy Odede, Kenyan President William Ruto, Ugandan LGBTQ+ advocate Frank Mugisha, and human rights activist Julienne Lusenge from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Burna Boy's recognition alongside these notable figures highlights the diverse range of African talent making an impact on the world stage.

Kidjo noted that Burna Boy has made the vision of young African musicians embracing their traditional music and culture a global reality, following in the footsteps of Fela Kuti. Netizens have praised Burna Boy, calling him the "biggest African artist ever seen in the history of African music" and the "blueprint" that others follow. The artist's dedication to his craft and staying true to his convictions has earned him a place on the 2024 TIME100 list, cementing his status as one of the most influential figures in the African music industry.

Key Takeaways

• Burna Boy named in Time's 100 Most Influential People of 2024
• Recognized for taking afrobeats to new heights and inspiring artists
• First African artist to sell out a U.S. stadium, first to perform at Grammys
• Inclusion highlights growing global influence of African music, particularly afrobeats
• Other influential Africans on the list include Siya Kolisi, Kennedy Odede, and more