The Afro Nation festival series is arguably one of the most important live events in today’s Black music market as it bridges together the genres pioneered by Black entertainers, including Afrobeats, Afro-fusion, Amapiano, R&B, hip-hop, and more. At the inaugural installment of Afro Nation Detroit 2023 this weekend (August 19 and 20) held at the Bedrock’s Douglass site, artists such as Burna Boy, Davido, Ari Lennox, Latto, and will amplify the sounds heard around the world.
Burna Boy spoke with Los Angeles Times journalist Kenan Draughorne about the growing movement amongst native Africans and people with African ancestry living around the world, saying, “They’ve successfully broken us apart, to where many of us don’t even want to identify with each other. The primary objective for our people should be unity, and to build a bridge between us that can never close or break. With the music, I try to play my little part in trying to do that.”
Afro Nation Detroit is a mere example of this comradery, with music at the center of it all. View the set times below.
Limited VIP and general admission tickets are still available for Afro Nation Detroit 2023. Find more information here.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
J Hus and Burna Boy link up once again in the video for “Masculine” from Hus’ new album, Beautiful And Brutal Yard. The video, shot in greyscale, captures the boys backstage at a show, where they put each other to the test in a pushup contest and share a few laughs before they hit the stage to perform. “Masculine” is the duo’s fifth collaboration, according to Genius, and their chemistry shines through not just in the lyrics but also in their joyful performance in the video.
“Masculine” is the third video from Beautiful And Brutal Yard, following “Who Told You” with Drake and “Militerian” featuring Naira Marley. The British rapper’s latest slate of songs has raised his profile significantly stateside, to the point where he’s even received a coveted spot on former President Barack Obama’s annual summer playlist.
Burna Boy, meanwhile, continues to expand his own foothold on the American music scene with a slew of summer singles that have him “Sittin’ On Top Of The World.” In addition to that ’90s-hit-sampling single, he’s released “Talibans II” alongside Byron Messia and announced his next album, I Told Them…, with the star-studded video for “Big 7.”
Watch the video for “Masculine” above. Beautiful And Brutal Yard is out now via Black Butter Ltd.
Burna Boy is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
While Burna Boy has grown into a full-fledged superstar in the recent global surge of afro-fusion popularity, don’t get it twisted — Burna is no flash in the pan, as he’s been putting in work for years. Today (July 27), Burna is celebrating his growth with the release of his new single, “Big 7”
On “Big 7,” Burna expresses gratitude for the journey that has landed him at his goals, and is thankful for the growth he’s experienced along the way.
“First of all / Rest in peace Virgil Abloh / Don’t spill no drink on my clothes when I’m Louis V dripping / Don’t like stress on my dome /Straight to the head when I’m 1942 sippin /Been wavy since morning / No dey talk to me in public,” he sings in the song’s opening verse.
The song is accompanied by a music video shot in New York City, and features Burna visiting cultural staples. RZA, Busta Rhymes, Junior Mafia, and Shameik Moore all make cameos in the video
“‘Big 7’ is a melodic tribute to embracing new heights in my musical journey,” said Burna Boy in a statement. “The title represents a symbolic aspiration to reach greater horizons, with the number seven embodying an attainable and harmonious growth.”
“Big 7” arrives ahead of Burna’s seventh studio album, I Told Them…, which he announced earlier with a career-highlighting trailer.
You can see the video for “Big 7” above, as well as the album trailer, and see the I Told Them… artwork below.
I Told Them… is out 8/25 via Atlantic. Find more information here.
Atlantic
Burna Boy is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Last week, Barack Obama unveiled his 2023 summer playlist, featuring a wide-ranging selection of songs he has been listening to. “A mix of old and new,” the former president’s playlist is filled with new talent and timeless classics spanning multiple genres. His taste includes so many music styles that people question whether or not he makes the playlists himself. Obama’s summer playlist contains songs from iconic bands like The Rolling Stones and Pearl Jam, as well as classic soul records from Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, and Stevie Wonder. With an assortment of all-time favorites, the playlist also adds recent songs from Luke Combs, Janelle Monáe, Ayra Starr, and Peso Pluma.
Throughout his time in the political spotlight, the former Commander in Chief has embraced hip hop. He has referenced JAY-Z and Jeezy in his speeches, debated the better rapper between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, and invited a host of hip hop artists to the White House in 2016. He even named Lamar’s “How Much a Dollar Cost” his favorite song of 2015. Today, we look at seven standout tracks from his latest curation. These selections focus on the hip hop and R&B artists featured on Obama’s summer playlist and are not ranked in any particular order.
J Hus feat. Drake – “Who Told You” (2023)
One of the most recently released tracks on Barack Obama’s 2023 summer playlist comes from J Hus. The U.K. rap legend and Afroswing pioneer released his third studio album, Beautiful and Brutal Yard, earlier this month. One of the album’s lead singles, “Who Told You,” marks the first collaboration between J Hus and Drake. The rap superstar had shown his affinity for the U.K. in the past, bringing out J Hus in London in 2019 just after his release from prison. “Who Told You” is a strong contender for Song of the Summer. Over a lively instrumental, J Hus displays his effortless charisma while Drake provides catchy melodies.
SZA – “Snooze” (2022)
SZA’s “Snooze” is one of the smoothest highlights from her massively successful SOS album. The dreamlike instrumental and soothing vocals from SZA make for a perfect soundtrack for a hot summer day. “Snooze” is not the first time SZA has been included on Barack Obama’s summer playlist. “Good Days” previously made his list back in 2021. This year, she once again responded to her inclusion in Obama’s coveted collection.
2Pac feat. Dr. Dre & Roger Troutman – “California Love” (1995)
Many of hip hop’s best summer anthems come from the west coast, and the inclusion of “California Love” on Obama’s summer playlist makes sense. The anthem from 2Pac, Dr. Dre, and Roger Troutman is an all-time rap classic consisting of one of Dr. Dre’s best beats. The killer instrumental, tough verses from 2Pac and Dr. Dre, and talk box vocals from Troutman, make a thrilling ode to the Golden State. The song has stood the test of time, remaining one of the most exciting songs to ever come from the west coast hip hop scene.
Jorja Smith – “Try Me” (2023)
Earlier this year, Jorja Smith came back with “Try Me,” the first glimpse of her upcoming second studio album. The epic R&B song comes from Smith’s Falling or Flying, released September 29. Jorja pours her heart out over the instrumental’s thumping rhythm. The song is complimented by a visually stunning music video. “Try Me” is certainly a stand-out choice from Obama’s list, considering that it is significantly more emotionally vulnerable than Smith’s other new single, the fun and fast-paced “Little Things.”
Burna Boy feat. 21 Savage – “Sittin’ On Top Of The World” (2023)
Burna Boy took over last summer with “Last Last,” which made Barack Obama’s 2022 summer playlist. The Nigerian superstar’s latest hit single, “Sittin on Top of the World,” has made this year’s summer playlist. Specifically, the former president selected the remix featuring 21 Savage. The Atlanta-based rapper’s appearance adds a hip hop element to a song already rooted in ’90s rap and R&B. “Sittin on Top of the World” notably samples the 1998 single from Brandy and Mase: “Top of the World.” Burna Boy’s unique twist on the sample makes the song his own.
Nas – “The World Is Yours” (1994)
Barack Obama’s summer playlist features a song from Nas’s iconic debut album, Illmatic. “The World is Yours” is an all-time classic hip hop song and one of the most significant moments on the Illmatic tracklist. The gorgeous Pete Rock-produced instrumental is quintessentially ‘90s east coast hip hop, and its chorus is among the most recognizable of that era. While Nas consistently releases albums, “The World is Yours” stands firm as one of his most enjoyable songs.
Ice Spice is one of hip hop’s latest breakout stars. The Bronx, New York native has been taking over the charts and social media with viral hits since last year. She emerged on the scene with “Munch (Feelin’ U)” and has continued to grow in popularity this year. Appearing on Barack Obama’s summer playlist is “Princess Diana,” her first of two collaborations with Nicki Minaj this year. The song sees Ice Spice channeling her signature flow with the help of a major cosign from Minaj. “Princess Diana” is one of the biggest hip hop tracks of 2023 so far, so it is a no-brainer that it would make one of the most prolific annual curations in Obama’s summer playlist.
Jamaican artist Byron Messia is having the biggest year of his career so far in 2023. That’s in large part to the success of his “Talibans,” which to many, is in the running for song of the summer. The record was released on Messia’s No Love project at the top of the year and since then, the song’s accompanying music video has racked up over 36 million views, and now to give it an additional boost, Messia connected with Burna Boy for a new remix of the song, appropriately titled “Talibans II.”
The new record arrived with a music video that took both artists to the Jamaican island to party and soak up the sun. The remix begins with a strong entrance from Burna before Byron returns with his original verse. Burna later checks back in with another verse where he brags about his relationship with Jamaican singer Jada Kingdom and more.
The new remix comes after Messia looked to build off the success of “Talibans” with strong records like “90z” and “I Hate Byron.” As for Burna Boy, “Talibans II” arrives after he teamed up with 21 Savage for a remix of “Sittin’ On Top Of The World.”
You can watch the video for “Talibans II” remix above.
Burna Boy is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
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 2023, 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.
Grammy Award-winning Nigerian artist Burna Boy is set to captivate audiences worldwide with an extraordinary performance at London Stadium, which will exclusively debut on Apple Music Live. The highly anticipated sold-out show will be available to stream on Wednesday, July 19th, at 12:00 pm PST / 8:00 pm UK on Apple Music, Apple TV+, Burna Boy’s TikTok pages, and on-demand on Apple Music and Apple TV+.
During this historic performance, the African Giant will showcase his biggest hits and beloved fan favorites, including “Last Last,” “Sittin’ On Top of the World,” “Ye,” and “Real Life,” with special guest appearances by Stormzy, J Hus, Dave, and Popcaan. Apple Music Live continues to provide a platform for global superstars like Burna Boy to connect with audiences and deliver unforgettable musical experiences. Fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating this exclusive performance.
“I had an unforgettable experience performing at London Stadium,” says Burna Boy. “The energy from the crowd was unmatched, and I’m grateful to all my fans for their unwavering support. Being featured in Apple Music Live is an incredible opportunity to share this historic moment with my fans worldwide. I’m excited for everyone to witness the magic we created that night. Special thanks to Apple Music for capturing and showcasing the performance. Stay tuned for an epic celebration of music and culture.”
“Burna Boy is a force of nature whose global rise shows no sign of slowing down any time soon,” says Apple Music’s Global Head of Hip Hop and R&B, Ebro Darden, who sat down with Burna Boy in London for an interview set to air on Tuesday, July 18th on Apple Music 1. “We’re thrilled to be able to present such a historic and career spanning performance to Burna’s fans around the world.”
Burna Boy continues to make waves in the music industry, achieving remarkable milestones on Apple Music. Burna Boy’s influence and popularity are undeniable as the most-streamed Nigerian artist of all time worldwide and the most-streamed artist in Nigeria. His 2019 album ‘African Giant’ shattered records for first-day and first-week streams, solidifying its position as the biggest African album globally. Similarly, his 2022 album ‘Love, Damini’ soared to the top spot on Apple Music in 70 countries, setting new records for first-day and first-week streams by an African artist.
With a global reach, Burna Boy’s songs have graced the Daily Top 100 in over 130 countries, including 98, where they achieved Top 10 status. On TikTok, his tracks “For My Hand,” “Jagele,” “Last Last,” and “Bank On It” have become trending sensations.
Apple Music Live’s second season, known for its exceptional performances, commenced in May with an exclusive showcase of Ed Sheeran’s latest album. The series has featured captivating performances by renowned artists such as Harry Styles, Billie Eilish, Alicia Keys, Lil Durk, Mary J. Blige, Luke Combs, and Wizkid. Audiences can explore the impressive lineup of past performances in the Apple Music Live archive.
