Nigerian singer Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, has described his new album No Sign of Weakness as a celebration of survival and proof that he is still standing strong despite many trials over the years.
The album, released on Friday, is the Grammy winner’s eighth studio project. It features international stars including Mick Jagger, Travis Scott and Shaboozey.
Speaking with AFP, Burna Boy said the album was created to reflect the mindset of people who see themselves as rock stars and have remained true to their journey.
“‘No Sign of Weakness’ is really like a celebration of the fact that that I’m still here throughout all these years and all the trials and tribulations,” he said. “I decided to intentionally make sure everyone on this project could comfortably and genuinely say they’re a rock star.”
Following his 2023 Grammy-nominated album I Told Them…, the new project contains 16 tracks including earlier released singles Bundle by Bundle, Update, Sweet Love and TaTaTa featuring Travis Scott.
In the song Dem Dey, Burna Boy responds to a recent gossip scandal involving a Nigerian influencer. He also teamed up with Rolling Stones legend Mick Jagger on Empty Chairs, a blend of Afrobeat and rock. The collaboration came about through WhatsApp conversations after Naomi Campbell connected the two artists.
“That’s how I see the future of our music … music that’s supposed to last, music that you can perform forever,” he said. “That’s where I want to be when I’m that age.”
Another song, Change Your Mind, features country star Shaboozey. Burna Boy praised the Nigerian-American artiste for making waves in the country music scene and representing Nigeria abroad.
“Here’s an Igbo boy from the eastern part of Nigeria who comes to America as a young guy,” he said. “He’s flourishing in the country world. If I’m not proud of that, then I don’t think I can be proud of anything in life.”
The Last Last crooner also spoke about the pressure he faces as a public figure in Nigeria. He explained that some people expect him to take political stands even when he prefers to stay neutral.
“I feel blessed. I also feel great responsibility … I’m blamed for everything, most especially, things I couldn’t possibly be responsible for,” he said. “I don’t vote, and I’ve never done it. But now, it’s to the point where even that: if I don’t vote, because I don’t say I’ll vote for this person or vote for that person, it’s a problem.”
As part of his plans for the new album, Burna Boy has launched a world tour that will begin with shows across North America in November. The stage design will allow fans to enjoy the same musical experience from every angle.
“This is going to sound selfish as hell but I definitely have more fun than everybody … when I die, I want to go to a stage in Heaven,” he said. “Every time I watch myself perform, I see a big smile on my face that I never see anywhere else.”
