Burna Boy releases surprise project

The work was released without anticipatory fanfare by the artist, who has enjoyed a burst of favourable attention since the release of his 2018 album Outside.

Steel & Copper is the first collaboration between Burna Boy and the Los Angeles production duo. An official statement from Burna Boy's management says the American outfit "seamlessly enmeshes Burna's velvety vocals into their world of eclectic production that bridges pop, trap and global sounds, introducing both sets of fans to a new sonic experience".

A series of singles, including 'On the Low', 'Ye' and 'Gbona', ensured Burna Boy entered the new year with a buzz. He also emerged the big winner at the Soundcity MVP Awards. His last solo single 'Dangote' has also been well-received. Recently, a feature on 'Location', a track from British act Dave's album Psychodrama, gave Burna Boy his first UK No 1.

For DJDS, the new project is the latest in a series of collaborations that have seen the duo work with Grammy-winning acts The Dream and Khalid on 2018's Big Wave More Fire. "The duo," says a statement, "continues to push boundaries sonically and venture beyond their comfort zone into new sounds from across the globe".

Burna Boy's previous EP Redemption was released in 2016. His new EP is available for free streaming on SoundCloud and YouTube.

From 1 April, Burna Boy will go on a US tour where he will perform in Boston, Chicago and San Francisco. He will also be at popular festival Coachella.

The dates are as follows:

• 1 April – Boston at Brighton Music Hall
• 3 April – Silver Springs at The Fillmore
• 5 April – New York at Apollo Theatre
• 7 April – Chicago at Thalia Hall
• 10 April - Denver at Bluebird Theater
• 14 April – Indio at Coachella
• 17 April – San Francisco at Slim's
• 19 April – Atlanta at The Mansion Elan
• 21 April – Indio at Coachella