That two African born musicians, specifically Nigerians won the Grammy award in the 2021 version, is now old news. However, one of them have come out to express his views about this award, stating that it would have come earlier in his carrier if the factors that influence and affect his upward mobility in the industry had been positive. He stated categorically that governmental institutions that are integral to the livelihood of the youth in Nigeria have been unproductive in its supposed positive influence in the sociology of the youths in the country.
The report goes thus – Burna Boy, the sensational Afrofusion singer who has been in the news recently and winning the respect and accolades of peers and mentors alike for his winning the Grammy award of 2021, in certain categories, says he would have won a Grammy award in 2013 if he had the right support.
Burna broke a record at the 2021 Grammys after ‘Twice As Tall’ became the first Afrobeats album to win the award.
In a chat with BBC Africa, Burna Boy spoke of his experience making the album during a pandemic.
He said: “If the environment was conducive and we had leadership who took the youth seriously and certain infrastructure in place, I probably won’t be winning a Grammy in 2021. I probably would have won in 2013 or 2014.
“I’m basically the stone that the builders refused when it comes to, you know, being here (in music). I was very relieved because I deserved it. I was hoping a situation wouldn’t happen where I didn’t get what I deserved.
“I saw this moment happening back in 2012. I just realised it (the music struggle) was bigger than me. It’s like I used to do this on the streets and everyone is going crazy, but now I don’t see anyone better than me.
“So, it’s like this is serious now. Anything is possible. Whatever situation you may be in wherever you find yourself doesn’t really determine your future or stop you from not considering your dreams as being dreams.
“In the end, we’re in an environment that doesn’t believe in itself before they even think of believing in you.”
When quizzed on the prospects he sees for music in Africa, Burna Boy said he takes pride in knowing that more people like him will emerge to create opportunities and pave the way more for the younger generation of African musicians.
“A lot of doors are being opened. For me personally, every door at this point has been opened,” he added.
“It is what will be left behind when I’m not here. That’s going to be my footprints on the world.”
