5. BURNA BOY

Burna Boy (Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu) was many things in 2024—a global icon, a Grammy performer, and a trendsetter. This year, he continued to assert his dominance as one of Africa’s most prominent musical exports.

Burna started the year strong by performing at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in February. His electrifying set featured his hit song “Sittin’ on Top of the World,” performed alongside global stars Brandy and 21 Savage. This was just the beginning of a year filled with high-profile appearances.

 On the awards front, Burna received four Grammy nominations, including Best Global Music Album for I Told Them… and Best African10 Music Performance for “Higher.” He also bagged nominations at the BET Awards, showcasing his continued influence on the global stage. “Sittin’ on Top of the World” earned a nomination for Best Melodic Rap Performance at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards. Burna Boy delivered a standout performance of the track during the ceremony on February 4, 2024, alongside Brandy and 21 Savage.

In June, Burna graced the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury, delivering an unforgettable Afro-fusion experience to the festival’s global audience. His performance was hailed as one of the highlights of the event, cementing his position as a must-see artist on the international festival circuit.

Burna’s musical releases in 2024 further showcased his versatility. He dropped the single “Sittin’ on Top of the World,” which sampled Brandy’s 1998 classic “Top of the World.” The track quickly gained traction, appealing to both Afrobeat enthusiasts and pop music lovers. Later, he followed up with a remix featuring 21 Savage, blending African rhythms with a contemporary rap edge.

On the awards front, Burna received four Grammy nominations, including Best Global Music Album for I Told Them… and Best African Music Performance for “Higher.” He also bagged nominations at the BET Awards, showcasing his continued influence on the global stage. “Sittin’ on Top of the World” earned a nomination for Best Melodic Rap Performance at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards. Burna Boy delivered a standout performance of the track during the ceremony on February 4, 2024, alongside Brandy and 21 Savage

In November 2024, his hit song “Higher” was nominated for Best African Music Performance at the upcoming 67th Annual Grammy Awards, scheduled to take place in February 2025 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. This marks the sixth Grammy nomination of Burna Boy’s career.

While releasing music and collecting accolades, Burna embarked on a series of performances, thrilling fans across the globe. He headlined major festivals and made guest appearances alongside international artists, proving that his star power knows no bounds.

By November, Burna returned to Nigeria for a series of homecoming performances, drawing massive crowds in Lagos and Abuja. Fans were treated to live renditions of his latest hits and iconic classics, making these events memorable for all in attendance. He also performed in a number of concerts like flytime fest in December.

Burna Boy’s 2024 was a testament to his relentless drive, artistic growth, and commitment to pushing Afro-fusion into new territories. Whether breaking records, winning hearts, or setting stages ablaze, Burna continued to prove that he truly is “sitting on top of the world.”