Burna Boy, real name, Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, has etched his name in the annals of music history as the first international Afrobeats artist to secure a number one album in the United Kingdom. The UK’s Official Charts Company announced this groundbreaking achievement on Friday. The 32-year-old Nigerian artist’s fifth full-length release, “I Told Them…”, soared straight to the top of the British charts, solidifying his position as a trailblazer in the genre.
Burna Boy came tantalizingly close to this milestone with his previous album, “Love, Damini”, which peaked at the second spot in the UK album rankings last year. While British talents like J Hus have enjoyed chart-topping success in the Afrobeats genre, Burna Boy stands as the first foreign artist to conquer this feat, further amplifying the global reach and impact of Afrobeats.

This accomplishment not only highlights Burna Boy’s exceptional talent but also underscores the growing prominence of Afrobeats in the UK and worldwide. Artists such as Wizkid and Davido have also enjoyed mainstream success, shaping segments of popular culture and contributing to the genre’s rise in global popularity.
Martin Talbot, the Chief Executive of the Official Charts Company, praised Burna Boy for his trailblazing achievement, stating that British music fans have long been known for their love of new music and their embrace of diverse cultures. The surge of interest in Afrobeats over the past decade exemplifies this trend, and Burna Boy’s success serves as a testament to the genre’s appeal and its ability to captivate audiences worldwide.
The Western audience’s affinity for Afrobeats can be traced back to 2016 when the hit song “One Dance” by Drake and Wizkid took the world by storm. The track’s infectious sound propelled it to become the most-played song of all time on Spotify, surpassing one billion streams and solidifying Afrobeats’ place in the global music landscape.
Burna Boy’s historic achievement not only marks a significant moment in his career but also signifies the continued growth and influence of Afrobeats as a genre, captivating listeners around the world and reshaping the musical landscape.
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