BURNA BOY BIOGRAPHY - AGE, CAREER, SONGS & FACTS

Burna Boy is the stage name of Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, the Nigerian singer, songwriter and record producer who calls himself the African Giant. Born on 2 July 1991 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, he has grown into one of the most decorated and influential African artists of his generation, winning the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album for Twice as Tall at the 63rd Grammy Awards in 2021.

As of October 2026, the 35-year-old star shows no signs of slowing down. His latest milestone is Dai Dai, a collaboration with global superstar Shakira that was chosen as an official song of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and released on May 23, 2026. Read on for the full Burna Boy biography, covering his age, career, songs, personal life and facts.

Early Life

Burna Boy was born Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu on 2 July 1991 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Music ran in his family long before he became famous: his grandfather, Benson Idonije, was a respected music journalist and manager who worked with the Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti.

Growing up in Port Harcourt and later Lagos, the young Damini was surrounded by music and began experimenting with production and songwriting as a teenager, shaping the fearless blend of Afrobeats, dancehall, reggae and hip-hop that would become his signature.

Career

Burna Boy broke out in 2012 with his breakthrough single "Like to Party," taken from his debut studio album L.I.F.E, released in 2013. The record established him as a rising star in Nigeria, but his sound was always aimed at the world stage.

In 2017, he signed with Atlantic Records and Warner Music Group, and a year later released Outside, his major-label debut, powered by the smash hit "Ye." His 2019 album African Giant earned him a Grammy nomination for Best World Music Album and took his name global. Then came Twice as Tall (2020), which won Best Global Music Album at the 63rd Grammy Awards in 2021, making Burna Boy a Grammy winner.

He kept breaking records with Love, Damini (2022), the highest-debuting Nigerian album on the Billboard 200, followed by I Told Them... (2023). Along the way he became the first African artist with two albums crossing 1 billion Spotify streams, collected multiple BET Awards for Best International Act, and was placed at number 197 on Rolling Stone's 200 greatest singers of all time list in 2023.

Recent Work

In 2026, Burna Boy reached yet another new audience with Dai Dai, his team-up with Shakira. Released on May 23, 2026 via Sony Music Latin, the track was selected as an official song of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The song's official video has since been reported to cross 1 billion views on YouTube, a remarkable figure for a 2026 release.

For more on his 2026 collaborator, read our Shakira biography, and find the full words to the World Cup anthem on our Dai Dai lyrics — Shakira & Burna Boy page.

You may also enjoy the Children of Blood and Bone soundtrack — Tems, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr feature on LatestLyrics.

Personal Life

Burna Boy keeps much of his private life out of the spotlight, but his roots are no secret. Born Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu in Port Harcourt, he comes from a family with deep musical ties through his grandfather Benson Idonije, who managed Fela Kuti. The singer remains one of the most visible ambassadors of African music worldwide.

Watch the Official Video

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Burna Boy?

Burna Boy was born on 2 July 1991, which makes him 35 years old as of October 2026.

What is his real name?

His real name is Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu.

Which album won the Grammy?

His 2020 album Twice as Tall won Best Global Music Album at the 63rd Grammy Awards in 2021.

What is his biggest 2026 song?

"Dai Dai," his collaboration with Shakira that serves as an official song of the FIFA World Cup 2026.