Burna Boy is celebrating a significant milestone as his seventh studio album, I Told Them…, secures the top spot on the UK charts.
According to ABC News, the album is a victory lap and a reminder of what it took for him to become a global phenomenon.
The 15-track project from the Grammy Award-winning Nigerian singer and rapper, born Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, features a star-studded list of collaborations with artistes including J. Cole, Dave, 21 Savage, RZA, GZA and Seyi Vibez.
Since the album’s release on August 25, the outlet goes on, it has made waves on the charts. On Friday, Burna Boy became the first-ever international Afrobeats artiste to secure a UK No. 1 album with I Told Them…, according to the Official Charts Company.
The album serves as a testament to Burna Boy’s journey to stardom, a journey filled with global tours and record-breaking accolades, the news outlet writes.
In the album’s final track, “Thanks,” featuring J. Cole, Burna Boy poses the question, “Is this the motherf****** thanks I get?” – a reflection of the criticisms he has faced despite his efforts to promote African culture in global pop culture.
The cover art for I Told Them… features a poignant message: “DON’T COMPLAIN. DON’T EXPLAIN. JUST BELIEVE.” This message encapsulates the essence of the album and Burna Boy’s unwavering belief in his path to success.
Two tracks from the album, “Sittin’ On Top Of The World” and “Big 7,” were released earlier this summer. The music video for “Big 7,” featuring artists like RZA, Busta Rhymes, Junior M.A.F.I.A., and actor Shameik Moore, was filmed in New York City after Burna Boy’s historic performance at Citi Field in July. This performance made him the first African artist to sell out a U.S. stadium and headline a London stadium earlier in the summer.
Burna Boy, originally from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has been credited for popularising Afrobeats globally, although he categorises his music as “Afrofusion” – a blend of afrobeat, hip hop, dancehall, and more.
In a recent interview, Burna Boy expressed his views on the current state of Afrobeats, criticising the lack of substance in the genre. He emphasised the importance of music reflecting an artist’s essence and experiences.
While “I Told Them…” has garnered support from fans worldwide, Burna Boy’s remarks on the genre have also sparked debate. Some fans argue that Afrobeats played a crucial role in his success, while others agree with his call for more substance in the music.
As Burna Boy continues to unify the African diaspora through his music, he is nominated for Best Afrobeats at the upcoming MTV VMAs in September, reflecting the genre’s growing recognition on the global stage.
