My Son Isn’t The Best Yet, Burna Boy’s Mother Tells The World

[Burna Boy and the mother/Punch Newspapers]

Written by Pharis Kinyua

Nigerian megastar Burna Boy has undoubtedly had an incredible year, etching his name into the annals of music history as the first African artist to headline sold-out stadium shows both in the US and the UK. His latest album, "I Told Them...," rocketed into the top 10 on charts across the globe. Yet, despite these remarkable feats, Burna Boy's journey is far from complete. According to his mother and manager, Bose Ogulu, the global Afrobeats sensation is still a "work in progress."

Affectionately known as "Mama Burna" by fans, Bose Ogulu is not only Burna Boy's manager but also a force in her own right. She inherited the art of artist management from her father, who once managed the legendary Nigerian icon Fela Kuti. Apart from her role in the music industry, she's an accomplished businesswoman and linguist, running a language school for 18 years. "I quickly understood the power of languages and the power of culture," she reflects.

Recently, Ms. Ogulu was honored as a Best of Africa award-winner, standing alongside esteemed figures like Stormzy, Mohamed Salah, and Mo Farah. Her journey as a "momager" is nothing short of remarkable.

"I ran a language school for 18 years," she explains. "I quickly understood the power of languages and the power of culture." This knowledge, acquired over the years, has been instrumental in shaping her role as Burna Boy's manager.

Her journey alongside her son began at an early age. She recognized his extraordinary potential when he was just 13 or 14 years old. Observing him in the studio and witnessing the formation of his high school band, she knew greatness was on the horizon. Their partnership even extended to his academic endeavors.

"From when he was in JSS3, which I think would be Year 9, we started trading studio time for grades," she fondly recalls. "I would say: 'OK, if you make a B or an A in this, I'll pay for studio time during your mid-term.'"

Yet, there was one unexpected twist in Burna Boy's journey that Mama Burna wasn't prepared for—his decision to drop out of university to fully pursue his burgeoning music career. "That was my problem," she admits. "Like 'OK, you can do this, but you're almost there. How about you just finish this degree program?' That's where the African in me came out. Together with his father and my father, we sat down and told him the consequences of doing it his way, and he was like: 'That's fine.'"

As the saying goes, "fortune favors the bold," and Burna Boy's bold move to follow his music dream has undoubtedly paid off. He has not only won a Grammy but also toured the world with his groundbreaking music. His unique sound, a fusion of afrobeat, reggae, dancehall, and hip-hop, has earned him a devoted global fan base.

The question that remains is: What's next for the dynamic mother-son duo? Mama Burna's vision is firmly set on reaching greater heights. "If we're doing four stadiums, let's do 10," she asserts. "There's always a higher level to get to—and that should be our focus."

Bose Ogulu's perspective as a mother and manager has shaped Burna Boy's path, fostering a balance between ambition, creativity, and discipline. Her belief in his potential remains steadfast, as she envisions even grander achievements on the horizon.

Burna Boy's journey is a testament to the power of determination and the influence of unwavering support from family and mentors. The "work in progress" is bound for even greater triumphs, guided by the unwavering vision and determination of a mother who has stood beside her son every step of the way.