FACT: IS FELA THE REAL FATHER OF BURNA BOY?
Many people are curious about whether the legendary Afrobeat king Fela Anikulapo Kuti is the father of the rising Afro-pop star Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, known as Burna Boy.
Who is Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu “Burna Boy’s” Father?
While Fela Kuti is not Burna Boy’s biological father, he has been an influential figure in his musical upbringing. Burna Boy was born into a musically rich family. His father, Samuel Ogulu, was a jazz enthusiast and an occasional singer, in addition to managing a welding company. His mother, Bose Ogulu (née Idonije), once danced for Fela Kuti and is the daughter of the renowned Nigerian journalist Benson Idonije.
Burna Boy’s grandfather, Benson Idonije, was a significant figure in Nigerian music history, known for being Fela Kuti’s first band manager and a revered music critic. Benson was part of the pioneering team that launched Radio Nigeria 2 (now Metro FM) in 1977. In recognition of his contributions to journalism, he received the Lifetime Award for Journalism Excellence from the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism in 2012.
On June 19, 2016, Benson Idonije’s 80th birthday was celebrated by media experts, business personalities, and friends. A video of Benson praying for Burna Boy at the event went viral, sparking discussions on social media about the willingness of parents and grandparents to support their children regardless of their profession.
Benson Idonije’s 80th birthday was a week-long celebration featuring academic presentations and musical performances organized by the Committee of Relevant Arts and Culture Advocates Caucus in various locations in Lagos, including the Ojo campus of Lagos State University, Freedom Park, Broad Street, and the MUSON Centre. Benson has also authored several books.
Burna Boy, the only son and second child of Samuel and Bose Ogulu, is heavily influenced by his grandfather, who also serves as his music director. Despite his significant influence, questions remain about why Burna Boy’s biological father, Samuel Ogulu, is not as celebrated or mentioned as prominently as his mother.
So, is Fela Kuti the real father of Burna Boy? While not biologically, Fela’s influence on Burna Boy’s music and upbringing is undeniably significant.
