Burna Boy Reveals How Childhood Love for Superheroes Inspired His Stage Name
Grammy-winning Nigerian Afrobeats star, Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, has shared the fascinating story behind his globally recognized stage name.
In a recent conversation with tennis legend Roger Federer, Burna Boy explained that his name was born out of his childhood obsession with comic books and superheroes.
As a young boy, he would spend hours sketching characters and even creating his own. Out of that creative process came “Burna Boy,” a superhero identity he envisioned for himself — one with powers connected to fire.
“I used to draw superheroes when I was younger. I used to do the comic drawing of them. That’s how I got the name Burna Boy, ’cause I wanted to be a character in the comic book,” he revealed.
The Afrobeats giant also reflected on how music pioneer Fela Kuti shaped his artistry. He recalled growing up listening to all of Fela’s albums, which were introduced to him by his grandfather, and how those sounds became the foundation of his own music journey.
Opinion:
What makes Burna Boy’s revelation so captivating is not just the creativity behind his name, but the symbolism it carries. “Burna Boy” isn’t just a stage name — it represents resilience, fire, and an unquenchable spirit, qualities that have defined his rise to global superstardom.
From comic book sketches to stadium-filling performances, his story is a powerful reminder that childhood passions often leave lasting imprints on our adult lives. Many kids dream of becoming superheroes, but Burna’s genius was turning that dream into an identity that fuels his music and connects with millions.
His tribute to Fela Kuti also underscores a beautiful cycle of inspiration: just as Fela’s music lit a fire in him, Burna’s artistry is now inspiring a new generation across Africa and the world.
At its heart, this is more than a name story — it’s proof that creativity, when nurtured, can evolve into something larger than life. Burna Boy may not wear a cape, but for fans, his music has already made him a superhero.
