Burna Boy’s career can be likened to a spark becoming a flame that burns with the intensity of a true artist. Born Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, Burna Boy spent his early years in Nigeria. He honed his musical talents there and absorbed the cultural richness that would later influence his music. His pursuit of musical mastery led him to accumulate an impressive $22 million net worth in 2024, according to Fresherslive.
Blazing New Trails: Burna Boy’s Fiery Accomplishments
Singer, songwriter and producer Burna Boy performs on stage at Lowlands, Biddinghuizen, Netherlands 21st August 2022(Photo by Paul Bergen/Redferns)
Burna Boy’s entrance into the music scene was anything but timid. With a fusion of reggae, dancehall, and Afrobeats, he crafted his own brand of music. This gained him fame with tracks like “Ye” from his third studio album Outside. His efforts were also recognized globally with his fourth album, African Giant. This acclaimed work, nominated for a Grammy, highlighted his broadening appeal. It also established him as an international force in the music industry. Burna Boy then took the torch and ran with it, further solidifying his prominence with his Grammy-winning album, Twice as Tall.
Ember Within: Burna Boy’s Personal Highlights
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 27: (L-R) Lil Durk and Burna Boy attend the BET Awards 2021. At Microsoft Theater on June 27, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for BET)
Behind the fiery persona, Burna Boy’s personal life is imbued with richness and depth. Steeped in the traditions of his homeland, he takes great pride in his Nigerian roots. Burna often incorporates local dialects into his music, bringing Nigerian culture to an international stage. Despite being a global star, he’s retained a strong sense of self and his African heritage. His songs are a form of self-expression and a beacon of cultural pride. They showcase the beauty and diversity of Africa to the world.
Burna Boy performs live prior the UEFA Champions League final match. Between Manchester City FC and FC Internazionale at Ataturk Olympic Stadium, Istanbul, Turkey on June 10, 2023. (Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Outside the recording studio, Burna Boy’s impact is also felt in his humanitarian efforts. He’s contributed considerably to various causes, notably aiding in the fight against SARS and advocating for justice and equality. His REACH NG initiative, launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, delivered food and other essentials to families in need throughout Nigeria. This commitment to philanthropy further illustrates Burna Boy’s dedication to uplifting his community and his desire to use his influence for meaningful change. His financial and emotional investments in these causes amplify the true essence of his character.
Crescendo: Burna Boy’s Fiery Legacy
LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 03: Burna Boy performs at London Stadium on June 03, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Burak Cingi/Redferns)
The flame that is Burna Boy continues to burn bright, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of music. He’s more than just a musician – he is a symbol of cultural pride, a philanthropist, and an influencer of global proportions. From a hopeful artist in Nigeria to a globally recognized icon with a net worth of $22 million, his journey encapsulates the essence of perseverance and passion. It’s also a melody of resilience, creativity, and ambition that reverberates far beyond the confines of music.
Burna Boy’s story serves as an inspiration, a reminder of the power of music as a cultural messenger, and a testament to the heights one can achieve when talent is combined with tenacity. Overall, through his music and actions, Burna Boy continues to stoke the embers of inspiration for the coming generation of artists.
Nigerian sensation WizKid, born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, has etched his name in the global music sphere, claiming a net worth of $4 million as per Celebrity Net Worth. This valuation underscores his impressive journey from a Lagos-based singer to a worldwide Afrobeats phenomenon.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 29: Wizkid performs at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on July 29, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Joseph Okpako/WireImage)
WizKid’s foray into music began at an early age when he joined a local church choir. His talent soon brought him into the spotlight, leading to his debut studio album, Superstar, in 2011. As a result, the album’s instant success paved the way for his meteoric rise in the Nigerian music scene.
Global Impact & International Success
WizKid’s reach extended far beyond Nigeria’s borders, breaking into the international music scene with collaborations featuring globally renowned artists like Drake, Beyoncé, and more. Moreover, his collaboration with Drake on the chart-topping track “One Dance” propelled him to unprecedented heights, topping multiple charts worldwide.
As the Afrobeats genre gained traction globally, WizKid remained a prominent figure, helping with its widespread recognition. Furthermore, His distinct sound, blending Afrobeat rhythms with contemporary pop, resonated with audiences worldwide, earning him accolades and a loyal fanbase.
Beyond his musical prowess, WizKid’s influence transcends boundaries, redefining the perception of African music. Additionally, he consistently champions African culture through his artistry, showcasing the continent’s rich musical heritage to a global audience.
Championing Philanthropy: WizKid’s Impact Beyond Music
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JULY 02: Wizkid performs on day 3 of the 2023 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture at Caesars Superdome on July 02, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images)
Beyond the glitz of the music industry, WizKid has consistently demonstrated his commitment to philanthropy. He actively engages in charitable initiatives, leveraging his platform to make a positive impact. Notably, he has been involved in various charitable causes, such as directing efforts towards improving education, healthcare, and empowering the youth across Africa. WizKid’s initiatives extend to supporting underprivileged communities, funding scholarships, and collaborating with organizations dedicated to social welfare. His passion for giving back resonates with his belief in uplifting communities and fostering positive change, marking him not only as a musical icon but also as a socially conscious influencer dedicated to making a difference in people’s lives.
Conclusion
Despite amassing a fortune estimated at $4 million, WizKid remains grounded, continually evolving his craft and contributing to the elevation of Afrobeats on the global stage. Overall, WizKid’s journey from a church choir singer to an international Afrobeats sensation underscores the power of talent, dedication, and the ability to bridge cultures through music. With his net worth reflecting his success, WizKid’s influence continues to reverberate, setting new standards and inspiring aspiring artists worldwide.
While fans are waiting on Rihanna to record some new music, she appears to be spending plenty of time listening to other’s songs. When an interviewer caught up with her during a recent Fenty x Puma event she had some thoughts on her favorite music of 2023. At first, she’s asked about her album of the year, which she doesn’t exactly have an answer for. She describes herself as more of a streaming singles girl than an albums girl and instead suggests some of her favorite songs of 2023.
In particular, she lists two tracks she’s had on repeat. Those songs are “UNAVAILABLE” by Davido and “Mnike” by Tyler ICU. In the comments of the video, fans praise her taste in afrobeats. “She has GREAT TASTE IN MUSIC!!!,” the top comment on the post reads. “Mnike is so good Rihanna is an amapiano warrior,” and “Nah fr cuz UNAVAILABLE is still on repeat” two other comments read. Check out the full video of Rihanna listing off her favorite music of 2023 below.
Some new Rihanna music might be on the way soon, though it isn’t coming from where fans expect. Video of RiRi dancing to a song from the new Nicki Minaj album Pink Friday 2 made the rounds online. The clip made enough noise that Nicki herself responded. She announced that there was yet another deluxe edition of the album coming out but it couldn’t be released until Rihanna turned in the vocals for a feature on the updated project.
RiRi hasn’t revealed when she’ll drop new music. But she did make a revelation about what will come next whenever she does. In a recent interview, she confirmed that a tour will follow her new music. She said “it’s only fair” to fans that she tour on the back of any new material she drops. Her last album Anti was released all the way back in 2016. What do you think of Rihanna’s picks for her favorite songs of 2023? Let us know in the comment section below.
Burna Boy, Bad Bunny, and Dua Lipa are part of a wave of international artists who have dominated the American charts. Another is Tyla. Thanks to her viral song, “Water,” the Grammy Award nominee is bringing the flair of Johannesburg, South Africa to every corner of the globe. The song’s fusion of pop, R&B, Afrobeats, and amapiano has made Tyla a new artist to watch.
But what is the song actually about? Let’s just say when Tyla sings the chorus — “Make me sweat, make me hotter / Make me lose my breath, make me water / Make me sweat, make me hotter / Make me lose my breath, make me water” — it’s more than her just being steamy.
Tyla hasn’t said what the record is about, but the lyrics leave little room for interpretation. Fans online have given their attempts at the “Water Challenge,” in which they tried to recreate the drenching dance break in the video. Some offered a theory: It’s about a woman’s desire to reach a squirting orgasm. Unfortunately, Travis Scott didn’t lean into the concept when he appeared on the song’s official remix.
This wouldn’t be the first time a raunchy sex song was cleverly masked by poetic songwriting. Aaliyah’s “Rock The Boat,” Britney Spears’ “If U Seek Amy,” and Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar On Me” are just a few examples.
Read users on X’s (formerly Twitter) reactions to the now viral theory.
everyone finding out what Tyla is singing about reminds me of the summer of 2006 when found out that Cassie’s me & you is about her wanting give head to some guy
On November 10, the highly-anticipated 2024 Grammy nominations were announced. As artists and fans held their breaths, many impressive names and projects were revealed to be up for the gold. However, the 2024 Grammys will also include three new categories, including Best African Music Performance. In previous years, African acts like Femi Kuti and Angélique Kidjo were up against other Global acts in the Best Global Music Performance.
This time, the category has been set to highlight the amazing musical talents straight out of the African continent. As expected, the Grammy-winning Burna Boy makes an appearance in the new category. After all, his most recent album, I Told Them…has been lauded by fans and critics alike. Nonetheless, some new faces have now received their first-ever Grammy nods this year. From Afrobeats maestro Davido to the South African starlet Tyla shaking things up, here are the nominees for Best African Music Performance for the 2024 Grammys.
Evidently, Asake is arguably the biggest breakout act out of Africa this decade so far. The Lagos-born singer, songwriter, and dancer has come a long way. From studying theatre at his alma mater, Obafemi Awolowo University, to lighting up major stages, including the O2 arena, he has become an unstoppable force. Today, he’s one of the most recognizable faces in Afrobeats and has received widespread acclaim for performing in his native tongue, Yoruba. His first-time Grammy nod comes as no surprise.
In 2022, Asake signed to Nigerian musical icon, Olamide’s record label, YBNL Nation. Soon after, he began to make serious waves. His second album, Work Of Art, released less than a year after his debut, houses the track “Amapiano.” The upbeat single, which features Olamide, was released to a positive reception and is one of the standout songs from the project. Furthermore, it’s a nod to the genre of the same name created in South Africa. With “Amapiano,” both Asake and Olamide have received their first-ever Grammy nominations.
“City Boys” – Burna Boy
In 2021, Burna Boy took home the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album for his fifth studio album, Twice As Tall. Fast forward to the 2024 Grammys, and he’s earned an impressive four nods. His nomination for Best African Music Performance is for his lauded Afro-fusion single, “City Boys.” The party staple has a slick, bass-heavy beat, and samples the single, “Birthday Sex” by Jeremih. The use of the sample garnered criticism after Burna Boy’s controversial comments about Black Americans but undoubtedly contributed to its success. Overall, “City Boys” has quickly become an anthem among fans, who join the star in professing their love for women, money, champagne, and marijuana.
Davido’s Grammy nods have been a long time coming, and fans can’t help but celebrate the star’s success. His 2017 record, “Fall,” was the first ever African record to receive a Gold certification in the United States. It also didn’t take long for his other record, “If,” to achieve the same feat. Evidently, his success was only a matter of time, and at the 2024 Grammys, the Nigerian Afrobeats legend will be up for three awards.
His nomination for Best African Music Performance is for his worldwide hit, “UNAVAILABLE,” which features South African producer, Musa Keys. The impressive, anthemic dance track is a declaration of a life of peace. After a series of highs and lows in his life, the star has retreated greatly from the limelight, preferring to make his music and steer clear of drama. The single’s catchy chorus has made it a party staple and even led to multiple, delicious remixes, featuring Latto and Sean Paul.
“Rush” – Ayra Starr
Nigerian superstar Ayra Starr burst onto the scene with the conviction to be the best. Clearly, she is on the right track, as she becomes the first Nigerian female artist to earn the nod for Best African Music Performance. Her 2022 single, “Rush,” was a hit upon release in her native Nigeria. However, by 2023, the song began to make waves on TikTok.
The 21-year-old singer and songwriter has been dominating the music scene since she first emerged in 2021. Since then, she has collaborated with many notable international acts, including Kelly Rowland, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, and fellow Grammy-nominee, Tyla. Known for her powerful vocals, eclectic, sexy fashion choices, and charming personality, it didn’t take much time for Ayra Starr to capture the hearts of millions. “Rush” has since charted in numerous countries, particularly reaching a peak of 24 on the UK Singles Chart.
“Water” – Tyla
The South African starlet Tyla has been making waves for quite some time now. However, she broke the glass ceiling with her worldwide hit, “Water,” and also broke records along the way. She and Musa Keys are the South African artists that are up for the Best African Music Performance at the 2024 Grammys. “Water” became a viral sensation on TikTok thanks to its impressive choreography, which features sensuous waist and hip movements.
Tyla is now the youngest South African to ever chart on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching a peak of 21. Furthermore, she is the first South African solo act in 55 years to enter the chart as well. As aforementioned, “Water” took over radio around the world, and has charted in several countries, reaching an impressive peak at the fourth spot on the UK Singles Chart. It also remarkably topped the New Zealand charts.
Afrobeats has dominated the globe and it’s only getting bigger, thanks to artists like Nonso Amadi. The Nigerian-born artist first emerged in 2016 with the success of his single, “Tonight.” It was a record that blew up by chance but his subsequent releases proved Nonso Amadi had staying power. However, maintaining that sort of success independently can be taxing. For Nonso Amadi, it led to a three-year hiatus that came to an end in 2022 as he began to roll out the campaign for his debut album When It Blooms.
His latest album, which boasts the Majid Jordan-assisted “Different,” is a full portrayal of Nonso Amadi, shedding insight into his upbringing, aspirations, and influences. He cites Bob Marley, Fela Kuti, and Bob Marley as inspiration to use his platform to speak out. It’s important, especially when he sees the struggles that many face across the globe, including in Nigeria. Beyond crafting hit records, he strived to create a complete body of work that tells his story.
“As a young Nigerian, I’ve experienced how tough it could be, you know?” Nonso Amadi told HotNewHipHop, citing different political and social struggles that young Nigerians face daily. “So I just thought, like, it’d be right to highlight some things on this album, just to make it completely holistic, because I wanted to speak about my story, my experience, and that is a part of my story and is a part of every a lot of young Nigerians stories as well.”
These experiences undoubtedly shaped how When It Blooms turned out. This Friday, November 3rd, he’ll be bringing his latest album to Toronto for his first headlining show at El Mocombo. We recently caught up with Nonso Amadi in October ahead of his performance in Montreal on Adekunle Gold’s Tequila Ever After tour. Amadi dishes on the making of When It Blooms, tour life, and the future of Afrobeats.
It’s been a big year for you. You dropped the album and now, you’re back on the road. I know you took a bit of a hiatus. I assume this is one of the first times you’re performing again. How’s that been?
Nonso Amadi: Well, it’s been good. So far, we’ve done like four or five cities but it’s been really good. Like, just seeing people come out for Adekunle Gold. I’m also like, using this as an opportunity to learn how touring works. It’s my first tour ever. So it’s been really, really good.
What’s the biggest takeaway from this tour so far?
So initially, I was trying to do a setlist that was more theatrical, where I had a lot of spoken word and made it more performance-based. But then I realized – I’m adjusting my set with time to make it more of like a turn-up party-type vibe. Because, with the crowd, a lot of the crowd members are just new to the music. So if it’s too slow-paced, I might lose some people. I might want to save that for the headline instead. So right now I’m just going to turn up like throughout. And like, obviously have key moments in there where I tell my story.
What’s been your favorite song to perform so far?
Wow, I think “Paper” and “Tonight.” Between those two – they’re just two different energies but whenever those songs are coming on, it’s proper lit.
Paper by Nonso Amadi via YouTube
As we discussed, you took a three-year hiatus prior to the release of When It Blooms. What was happening during that time?
Honestly, I was just burnt out. Like, I was doing a lot of heavy lifting myself, you know, mixing, producing, writing and everything was on me. So I had to like take a step back, get a proper team behind me. I obviously started working with Universal Music Canada and Def Jam during the hiatus, and that like really just gave me enough of the resources I needed to create this album. Like, it wouldn’t have been possible without the label and everyone – the management. So yeah, I had to I had to like do that to make sure I came back.
Besides having to regroup, why was it important to take a step back from the limelight?
I guess the main thing for me with the hiatus was just to focus on personal growth. Prior to making this album, most of my songs were about love, purely about love. But like with this album, because of the growth and how much I’ve learned, I was able to write songs that actually told stories. Stories about my life and what’s going on around me and stuff like that. And that’s why that was such a big deal to me because it isn’t just like a bunch of songs that I just randomly put together. It tells a story.
Having released the album in May, I was wondering how season changes impact your creative process. This album definitely felt like one for the summer, especially songs like “Cali Was The Mission” and “NASA.”
I’m less about seasons and more about moods. I was in a space where, like I said, I just wanted to express certain things. Like, California has been like a huge thing for me since I was a kid. Growing up seeing all the major acts based out there in LA. I always knew on my first album I was gonna have a song called “Cali Was The Mission” because it was the mission for me. And then like, yeah, “Ease Up” tells the story of my struggles in Nigeria, the huge struggles. That’s just how we were trying to put together to like, make sure we were being true to whatever my story was.
What was your first time in California like?
My first time in Cali, I was actually brought up by Emotional Oranges and they took real good care of me. I had tacos for the first time. You know, it was just really, really good. Yeah, I enjoyed that experience.
The album covers a lot of ground, even diving into political issues in Nigeria. Why is it important for you to use your platform to speak up?
I’m just learning that, as an artist, we have certain responsibilities to use our voice, our platform to shed light on certain key social issues. It’s an uncomfortable area for a lot of artists because some artists just want to like enjoy the music and make music they vibe with. But like, when you have a platform where there’s like thousands of people keeping paying attention to you, if you can speak about certain things, it will be helpful.
With this album, it’s the first time I’ve ever done it. I’m definitely going to try doing more of it and just learn more about how it’s done. I think the greats – Bob Marley, Fela Kuti – they were really good and not just thinking about, you know, whatever. They sang about things that matter to not just them but their country.
Nonso Amadi. Photo by TSE.
On “Lock Up,” you say, “I never see Port Harcourt for twelve years/ Based on some complications/ Pray say I go do show for New Years.” A lot of the issues out there have made international headlines but could you talk to me about taking these risks as an artist to speak out against these problems? How do you think that impacts your ability to create freely?
Oh, that’s a really tough one. Yeah, it’s like the country itself is like – Nigeria is going through a state where the young people are pushing to like be excellent in their fields but like, the government isn’t up to par with us. And that’s affected a lot of creatives in terms of having to leave the country to go get certain opportunities which is not really good. Like, even being having a Nigerian passport limits me to traveling and doing shows in certain parts of the world. So yeah, man, we can only just pray and hope for the best but also like, we have to use our platform to like speak on these issues and let people know what’s going on, you know?
I have been inspired by the artists who have done the same thing before me. The likes of Bob Marley, Fela Kuti, Burna Boy. These are artists who haven’t been scared to use their voices to highlight certain things. Myself, as a young Nigerian, I’ve experienced how tough it could be, you know? As a young Nigerian trying to just like live your daily life and have all these hustles and have all these, like things that pop out of nowhere, and make things a little bit more difficult than the average North American or you know, just to compare.
So I just thought, like, it’d be right to highlight some things on this album, just to make it completely holistic, because I wanted to speak about my story, my experience, and that is a part of my story and is a part of every a lot of young Nigerians stories as well. So I just felt it was only right to speak about that, you know?
You were born in Nigeria and moved to the UK, and then you came out to Hamilton. How would you describe the sound and wave of Afrobeats, especially in the way they’ve evolved in these three places where you’ve lived?
When I first came to Canada, I think the Toronto scene was what I was first exposed to. The Toronto African music scene. And it was still very underground, still growing, and it is still growing right now. I find that the young people out here who are making Afrobeats in Toronto have a lot of cohesiveness about them. So they work with each other, and they’re open to collaboration, and that was really nice to see.
Right now, because of how much African music has taken off, a lot of things have changed, for sure. We can see that in the shows, we had Cultureland recently. We have so many more events popping up. WizKid’s been here doing a couple of shows. I personally have a dream to take it further with my own events that I’m going to put together that highlight African music and Afrobeats artists within the city. It’s going to be a festival that I’m going to be throwing every year. But yeah, it’s been a lot of growth, man, like hard work. Just people really pushing the scene. There are a lot of key figures who have been advocating for African music being played on radio and African music being, you know, supported. And they really deserve a lot of credit for that.
Do you think there’s a difference in the sound between Nigeria vs. UK vs. Canada?
At the end of the day, I think they’re mostly very similar. So then an Afrobeats song made in the UK or made in Canada or made in – Nigeria is always going to be a sauce and is going to always have a bit more rawness to it. But they’re mostly similar, especially with the younger artists making the music.
The difference will be mostly in the production because Afrobeats in the UK, I find that the instruments they use have a “drill” type vibe to it, where it’s more hi-hats and hard knocking kicks and all that. Meanwhile, the rest of the world making Afrobeats, it’s a little bit different. I think Toronto-type Afrobeats will have a bit more like trap, darker vibe, you know? Maybe they’ll use pads instead to give it this cold feeling inspired by Drake and The Weeknd and all that. But overall, Afrobeat still sounds amazing.
Nonso Amadi. Photo by Wade Hudson. Provided by Universal Music Canada
There was a recent report that major labels are beginning to prioritize Latin and Afrobeats artists over hip-hop acts. You just discussed it but how would you describe the growth of Afrobeats in the Western world? Do you think the prioritization and general commercialization of the genre will help or hurt in the long run?
I just think that the artists need to be wise with the attention because it’s good. Generally, it’s a good thing. That’s my own feeling. Like, whoever’s jumping on Afrobeats, whoever’s trying to hop on the wave, it’s good. But for the artists and for the culture, and for Africans, we need to be really smart about how we are working with people in developing the business side of it.
I’ve always said this and I’ve been a huge advocate for this – I think we need togetherness. I think a big example will be Latin music. If you take a look at J Balvin, Bad Bunny and Rosália. They do tours together, they discuss business and ideas together. Like if anything’s happened, I’m sure they discuss like, “Oh, this is what I’ve seen. What are you seeing on your end?” You know, I think we need that type of unity in this space for us to be on the same wavelength and learn from each other’s mistakes. That will be the only way that we can like truly progress without being cheated or something wrong happening along the way.
Final question: after discussing the festival and the impact you hope to have, where do you see things going in how you impact the world?
For me personally, I’m trying to approach things from more of a charity perspective, which is a little different. But I find that’s what gives me the most sense of accomplishment and purpose in the music game. Because it is a kind of a rough game, and everyone’s just trying to hit the charts and make the most money in the streams.
Just for me, personally, I feel like if we’re able to pool our resources, and just help like people who are really in need, that really just gives me a sense of like, “Yeah, we’re doing something really beneficial to not just ourselves.” So I do want to do the annual festival. I want to make it really, really fun. Like, I want young people to come out, you know, Montreal, Toronto but the show’s going to be in Toronto. I want the whole country, Canada, to be aware of it.
This is an Afrobeats-themed event and an African event that pulls people from Africa and from within Canada to come together and perform and have a good time. But then, like, I want a date to be set aside for just like community work and charity, where we come together after the show, and we do something really cool, make some money, and then send that over to a not-for-profit. So that’s just how I am trying to do it. And I feel like that we like it’s fun. We’re having a good time but like, at the same time we’re doing we’re doing some really cool stuff that helps other people.
After a stellar live performance of it for his Los Angeles show, we finally have Gunna in his Afrobeats bag officially in our hands. Moreover, he hopped on the remix of Victor Thompson and Ehis “D” Greatest’s “This Year (Blessings).” Not only does the dancehall-adjacent cut contain great vocal harmonies from all artists, but the YSL affiliate holds his own from a melodic and lyrical standpoint, as well. There are many different versions of this song out right now, so make sure to give Thompson and D some love and find your favorite. It might be October, but this track is going to heat up any playlist you slap it on.
In addition to the record coming out on streaming service, the artists also released a music video for it. You can see Victor Thompson and Ehis “D” Greatest around Los Angeles in it, working hard on the song, performing, and rehearsing. In fact, around the halfway mark of the video, you can not only see the Georgia MC rehearsing with Thompson and the band, but bringing him out onto the stage for their performance. As such, it feels like a lot of the song’s bubbly energy, reversed and atmospheric synths, and hopeful lyrics really manifested themselves in that moment. That’s not where they were created, but it’s clear the whole team felt it was important to match these two together.
“This Year (Blessings)” Remix Ft. Gunna: Stream The Music Video
Meanwhile, a lot of Wunna’s fans are pretty excited to hear him go in this new direction. Hopefully it’s not the last Afrobeats-type track he attacks, and hopefully it isn’t the only genre diversion he makes in the near future. It’s clear he has the talent for it, and with a lot of commercial success behind Gunna, Victor Thompson, and Ehis “D” Greatest, surely they could go a long way with this. If you haven’t heard the “This Year (Blessings)” remix yet, find it on your preferred streaming service and peep standout lines below. Also, keep checking in with HNHH for more news and updates on these wonderful artists.
Quotable Lyrics And say, “Young GunWunna is the G.O.A.T.,” (say, “Young GunWunna is the G.O.A.T.”) Planted me a seed and watched it grow, Travel overseas, across the globe, Grinding to survive is all I know, oh
After a brief hiatus in 2021, Nigerian artist Tems has resurfaced with a powerful comeback in the form of her latest single, “Me & U.” While she may have kept a relatively low profile for most of the year, her previous collaborations, such as her vocals on Future’s “Wait for U,” featuring Drake, have elevated her to global recognition. Now, with “Me & U,” Tems demonstrates her remarkable ability to shine independently. In this soulful single, Tems explores themes of self-discovery, establishing a genuine connection with the Creator. In a press release, she shares the meaning behind the the track, stating, “‘Me & U’ is about discovering the real me, building a genuine relationship with the Creator, and gaining a true perception of self.”
What sets “Me & U” apart is not just its captivating lyrical depth but also Tems’ creative involvement in every aspect of the song’s presentation. In a testament to her artistic versatility, she takes on the role of director for the song’s accompanying music video. The visual experience unfolds with Tems gracefully dancing against the backdrop of the ocean. She also appears in the midst of a dark forest. These settings serve as symbolic spaces for individuals to connect with their spiritual essence. This mirrors the themes explored in the song itself.
Tems’ return to the music scene is met with eager anticipation from her devoted fanbase. Her ability to blend evocative storytelling with a unique musical style has earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated following. With “Me & U,” she invites listeners on a personal journey of introspection and spiritual awakening. Tems creates a musical experience that transcends the ordinary. As she continues to evolve as an artist, “Me & U” stands as a testament to her growth and commitment to authentic self-expression. It’s a reminder that music can be a transformative and soul-enriching medium. And Tems is here to lead the way with her distinctive voice and artistic vision.
Tems’ return with “Me & U” marks a triumphant comeback for the artist. This soulful single delves into themes of self-discovery and spirituality. It’s a song that reaffirms Tems’ position as a rising star in the global music landscape. In a recent interview on Interview Magazine, with Kendrick Lamar asking questions, Tems opened up on not feeling pressure to conform to societal standards. “When you become more known or seen, it’s very easy to get caught up in, ‘What do people expect of me now?’ she said. “But for me, it’s like, “What do I expect of myself now?” Because you’re the one that has to live with yourself. The one that has to sleep with the decisions that you make. Trusting yourself is so key. And I’m not going to stop trusting my guts just because people can see me now.”
Quotable Lyrics:
Give me one break, I need faith Faith to believe you, faith to receive you Give me something I’m lacking I don’t need nothing, you are my everything
Gunna’s comeback this year has been a wild ride to witness, as it seems the narrative has shifted considerably. There’s still a lot of conversation around his alleged “snitching” in the YSL RICO case, but no one can longer deny that his career hasn’t suffered one bit from it. Moreover, the College Park rapper recently performed at two massive shows, one in New York and another in Los Angeles, the latter of which took place on Thursday (September 28). A big part of this renaissance now was revealed at this show, as he brought out Afrobeats artist Victor Thompson for the concert. They performed his hit “This Year” together, and that’s when Wunna unveiled his secret weapon.
Turns out that he’s remixing “This Year,” and he gave fans a preview of what to expect from it soon. All in all, reactions to Gunna’s performance online were overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the vocal efforts and chemistry between these artists. Still, it doesn’t mean that he completely switched lanes, as his auto-tuned tone and croon remains unmistakeable. The 30-year-old will likely continue to shape his career out from here, as this feels like a second wind.
Of course, it’s not like he completely fell off before this, as he remained a popular and acclaimed MC in the scene. However, with the Drip Season icon’s attachment to the YSL trial behind him, he had a lot of allegations and attitudes to combat. That case is still ongoing, and looks no closer to its resolution than it was in December when he took a plea deal. Regardless, Gunna’s also done his part to shout out Young Thug and continue to advocate for his collective despite his separation.
Twitter Reactions To The Upcoming “This Year” Remix
don’t ever mention Gunna with Lil Baby and Durk ever again this Nigga doing afrobeats now and he sounds INSANE pic.twitter.com/PHvOQY1ilL
Meanwhile, his new album a Gift & a Curse is still spinning, but some fans thought it was too musically one-noted. Now that we know he can reach into his Afrobeats bag, this could mark the beginning of a more versatile phase of his career. No matter what direction it goes in, we’ll be here to witness it. For more news and the latest updates on Gunna, log back into HNHH.
Nigerian sensation Burna Boy has once again taken the music scene by storm with the release of his highly anticipated album, I Told Them. This 15-track masterpiece is a blend of Afrobeat rhythms, R&B melodies, and hip-hop influences, showcasing Burna Boy’s signature style that has continued to shake up the world. In the past few weeks, Burna Boy’s built up the anticipation with a handful of singles. He held down the summer with the release of “Talibans II” alongside Byron Messia and shared the 21 Savage-assisted banger, “Sittin On Top Of The World.”
I Told Them finds Burna Boy diving deeper into hip-hop influences more so than in the past. In addition to 21 Savage, he enlisted J. Cole who appears on “Thanks,” which is apparently one of two collaborations they have together. Additionally, he called on British rap titan Dave, who he previously collaborated with on “Location,” for their new collab, “Cheat On Me.” However, it doesn’t stop there. The Wu-Tang Clan’s presence is felt across the project as both RZA and GZA appear on the project on “12 Jewels” and the title track, respectively.
In the past few years, Burna Boy’s helped usher African sounds into the United States. His consistency transformed him into a trailblazer in the music industry, one that has undoubtedly played a role in major labels’ newfound interest in Afrobeats. Since the release of projects like African Giant and Twice As Tall, Burna Boy has continued to elevate his career through his global appeal, especially with his ability to integrate different sounds into his own.
During a recent interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music, Burna Boy explained the significance of the title. “This one is for the part of my own home and the people in my own home who didn’t believe or doubt it, or still doubt, or any type of thing. And not just them, it’s like everyone that ever heard me speak in the past or when I’d first started,” he explained. “You can go back to my old tweets and stuff. I basically predicted everything that’s happening now. So this is basically that. It’s fun to tell people something is true, and they doubt, and then they end up seeing it. There’s no greater feeling.” Check out the project above.
at Caesars Superdome on July 02, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images)
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