I’m sure everyone will be thrilled to discover that the iconic Afrobeat King, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, is the father of fast-rising afro-pop sensation, Damini Ogulu aka Burna Boy. This is without a doubt why the inquiry, Fela: Who’s “Burna Boy’s” father? is appealing to many.
The fact is that Fela was the musical father of Burna Boy, but not his biological father. Damini was born into a music-loving family. His father, Samuel Ogulu, was a jazz fan and sometimes vocalist in addition to running a welding firm. His mother, Bose Ogulu (née Idonije), was a Fela dancer and the daughter of Nigerian journalist Benson Idonije.
Burna Boy’s granddad was a broadcaster and music analyst well known as Fela Kuti’s initial band manager. It’s no surprise that his daughter, Bose Ogulu, became a Kalakuta dancer and radio translator. He (Burna’s grandpa) is recognized as one of Nigeria’s most illustrious music reviewers and was a founding member of Radio Nigeria 2 (now Metro FM) in 1977.
Benson Idonije was awarded the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism’s Lifetime Award for Journalism Excellence in 2012.
On June 19, 2016, media specialists, business celebrities, and friends came to celebrate the 80th birthday of musician Burna Boy’s grandpa Benson Idonije, who was Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s first manager. A video of Pa Idonije praying for Burna quickly went viral, prompting social media users to incorrectly declare that “parents and grandparents are willing to pray for any successful child regardless of what they do for a living.”
Damini’s grandfather’s 80th birthday celebration was a week-long event featuring paper presentations and musical performances organized by the Committee of Relevant Arts and Culture Advocates Caucus in several parts of Lagos, including the Ojo campus of Lagos State University, Freedom Park, and Broad Street and MUSON centre.
Benson Idonije has also written and published books.
Damini Ogulu is Samuel and Bose Ogulu’s only son and second child. In addition, he is the grandson of Fela Band manager and famed writer Benson Idonije. It’s no surprise that Pa Idonije is also the music director for Burna Boy.
Now, who’s “Burna Boy’s” father?
Source: Omoawori Update || Facebook
