YouTube launches Spotlight on Burna Boy

Nigerian Afro-fusion singer and songwriter Burna Boy

YouTube launches Spotlight on Burna Boy

On Tuesday, the video-streaming website, YouTube launched its Spotlight Story documentary on Nigerian Afro-fusion singer and songwriter Burna Boy.

The 18-minute documentary, is a narrative focusing on the rise of AfroBeats and the role YouTube has played, through the eyes of Burna Boy.

The documentary which was launched at an exclusive watch party, also sees Burna Boy and his manager, Bose Ogulu (who also happens to be his mum), sharing some of his coming-of-age stories.

Burna Boy has been previously featured YouTube in October 2018, as an ‘Artist on the Rise’ on the website’s YouTube for Artists page.

YouTube has supported African artistes, sharing their works and cultures, globally.

According to Addy Awofisayo, YouTube Content Partnerships Manager, Sub Saharan Africa, in a statement, “Cultural movements grow and build on YouTube. African music is the most recent example.

“For years now, YouTube has played an essential role in the discovery and development of African sound, exporting African music to listeners worldwide, enabling collaborations within the global and regional music industry, and accelerating the transition to digital for fans on the continent.”

A substantial of YouTube views for top African artists are from beyond Africa, with international acts like Kanye West, Beyoncé and Childish Gambino, integrating African elements into their music, choreographyand visual style.

Awofisayo said, “Ten years ago, African producers and artists had no easy way to hear, be inspired by, and influence sounds and artistry from around the world,” something YouTube technology has changed.

She also said, “With the launch of products such as YouTube Go in 2018, more African artists will be able to share their work with an increasingly large audience, fully cementing their place on the global map.”

Burna Boy is a Nigerian based Afro-fusion singer, songwriter and performing artiste signed to his record label Spaceship Entertainment. Born DaminiOgulu in Port Harcourt to parents Bosede and Samuel Ogulu, he is the eldest of three children.

On the 26th of January, 2018, Burna Boy released his fourth album, ‘Outside.’ The 13-track album was preceded by the singles ‘Sekkle Down’ ft. J Hus, ‘KoniBaje,’ and ‘Heaven’s Gate’ ft. Lily Allen which were accompanied with a music video.

‘Outside’ debuted on Billboard’s Reggae Albums Chart at the Number 3 spot, topping his debut album ‘L.I.F.E’ which peaked at number 7 on August 31, 2013.

Burna Boy is the recipient of four awards at the 2018 SoundCity MVP awards ceremony in December 2018. He began 2019 with the hit single ‘Killin Dem’ in collaboration with Zlatan.

Having catapulted to fame with the 2012 release of his single ‘Like to Party,” Burna Boy is one of the leading musical voices on the African continent and an international YouTube sensation.

By Adie Vanessa Offiong