Burna Boy Opens Up About Feeling ‘More Jamaican’ During His Time in the UK
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At one point in his life, Grammy-winning Nigerian star Damini Ogulu, better known as Burna Boy, found himself identifying more with Jamaica than Nigeria. This revelation comes from his memories of studying in Brixton, London, where the Caribbean vibe was impossible to ignore.
In a recent chat with Capital Xtra London, Burna Boy reflected on how close-knit his surroundings were with Jamaican and Caribbean culture. “Jamaica has always been a part of me,” he shared, reminiscing about how his dad played Super Cat tunes during his childhood. Fast forward to his university days, and the streets of Brixton were filled with Jamaicans, while the Nigerian presence felt sparse.
“So, I considered myself more Jamaican at the time simply for the fact that everyone around me was Jamaican and Caribbean,” Burna Boy explained. “When I go back home to Nigeria, then I’m really Nigerian. But when I was there, I’m Jamaican. Even the Africans in my circle were from places like Gambia, Uganda, and Congo. There were only two Nigerians in the crew.”
This close bond with Jamaican culture didn’t just stop at identity—it seeped into his music. Known for blending Afrobeat with reggae and dancehall influences, Burna Boy has long referred to Jamaica as a second home. Over the years, his connection with the island has been further cemented, not least through his past relationship with British-Jamaican rapper Stefflon Don between 2019 and 2021.
Burna Boy’s story paints a vivid picture of cultural fusion and the power of music to transcend borders, showing how sometimes, where you are can shape how you see yourself in surprising ways.