Burna Boy to play YouTube Music Nights to celebrate African Giant album

24 Jul 2024 - 11:41

Published under the Creative Commons Licence

Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy will play an intimate concert in commemoration of the fifth anniversary of his African Giant album as part of the YouTube Music Nights series in London, UK, on 26 July.

Burna Boy.

The YouTube Music Nights programme, much like rival digital streaming platform Apple Music’s Apple Music Live initiative, features global superstars performing on intimate stages, producing live video content that highlights the special bond between artists and fans. Through Performance Videos, Live Streams, and Shorts, the series allows artists to present their music in a raw, personal setting.

The event, which will be livestreamed exclusively on Burna Boy’s YouTube channel, will see the musician, who boasts 5 million subscribers on the platform, celebrate hits from the project.

“This event exemplifies YouTube’s commitment to showcasing the best of global music and connecting artists with fans in unique and meaningful ways,” YouTube’s head of music in Africa, Addy Awofisayo, said. “Burna Boy’s artistry and impact are undeniable, and we can’t wait for the world to experience this special performance.”

“This album holds a special place in my heart as it represents a pivotal moment in my career and a powerful statement of African pride,” Burna Boy said. “Performing these songs for my fans, who have supported me every step of the way, is a reminder of the journey we’ve shared and the cultural impact we’ve made together. I’m grateful to YouTube Music for helping us create this memorable event and to all my fans for their unwavering support. Here’s to many more years of making music that resonates and inspires.”

In 2019, Burna Boy, whose work blends dancehall, reggae, Afrobeat and pop, secured a Grammy nomination with African Giant, winning Best Global Music Album at the awards with successor Twice As Tall in 2020. The artist is behind other globally acclaimed LPs like 2022’s Love, Damini, and last year’s I Told Them… Burna Boy is also renowned as the first Nigerian artist to sell out the Madison Square Garden in New York and the O2 Arena in London.

Burna Boy was recently awarded the BRIT Billion Award for surpassing one billion digital streams in the UK, joining Wizkid as the second African artist to do so. This milestone follows his achievement in September as the first Afrobeats artist to top the UK charts with his album I Told Them...