It’s no news that Burna Boy was nominated by the Grammys in the Best World Music Category. His Grand father, Benson Idonije says he is sure Burna Boy will win the Grammy award. He bears all in an Interview with the Punch.
“I think Burna will win his category because his music is stronger (than the music of others) and his image is stronger.”
He added, “I think that the whole trajectory is leading him to winning the Grammy. I am very optimistic.”
At first, Idonije didn’t envisage that Burna Boy would be a big act. In his words;
“I didn’t envisage it initially but at some point I knew that he was going to go far because of the eclectic and elevated nature of his music.“
Like everyone else Idonije expressed excitement that ‘African Giant‘ is now regarded as “World Music”. He said, “I feel great, I’m happy that his music has reached the level that he can be considered as part of world music.”
Idonije who is popularly known for being the first brand manager of the late Fela Kuti, spoke about the similarities between Burna and Fela‘s music.
“Burna ‘s music has elements of every music category. You find jazz, rock, country, reggae and everything (in it). This is what Fela did not do. He just infused his jazz with African music. Burna Boy’s music is spreading to more countries and people. That’s the advantage he has; his music is eclectic.”
Idonije critic Burna Boy’s music
However, Idonije said he still critic Burna Boy‘s musical works despite the distance between them.
“I listen to his music and approve it and at the beginning. I was involved in organizing live music for him.” Although Burna is more abroad than Nigeria, it does not stop Idonije from listening.
“When he records, I go to listen to what he does. In recent times, he is more abroad than in Nigeria but all the same, he sends them down; I listen and make comments.”
It has been a standout year for Burna Boy, who has won a string of awards and sold out venues across the globe. With his Grammy nomination, he cemented his place as this year’s breakaway music star.
He joins King Sunny Ade, Femi Kuti and Seun Kuti as top Nigerian musicians that have been nominated in the Best World Music category.