Popular Nigerian music star Damini Ogulu, widely known as Burna Boy, has made a shocking revelation about the kind of life he might have lived if not for his music career.
In a candid conversation with one of his fans, Burna Boy said that if he had not become a musician, he might have ended up as a suicide bomber, oil thief, or even a prostitute.
The Grammy Award-winning artist made the statement in response to a question about what he would have been doing if music had not worked out for him.
“There are many options,” Burna Boy replied. “I could be stealing oil, I could be playing basketball, I could be a fraudster, a suicide bomber—anything, including a prostitute.”
His comment has since gone viral, sparking a mix of laughter, concern, and debate on social media. While many see it as a sign of how far he has come in life, others are using it to highlight the challenges young Nigerians face due to poverty, lack of opportunities, and unstable social environments.
Burna Boy, who hails from Rivers State, was born in Port Harcourt and raised in Nigeria before moving to the United Kingdom for his university education. He later returned to Nigeria to fully pursue his music career.
Growing up in Port Harcourt, a city surrounded by oil and gas activity, many youths have been known to engage in illegal oil bunkering, a risky and often criminal act involving the theft and resale of crude oil.
Burna Boy has spoken in the past about witnessing hardship, violence, and crime in his early environment. He has often said that music became his way out—a path that saved him from a life that could have taken a dark turn.
Alongside his personal revelation, Burna Boy continues to break musical records and fly the African flag high.
This week, he made history as the African artist with the most entries on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. His latest entry, “WGFT”, a collaboration with American rapper Gunna from the rapper’s new album The Last Wun, debuted at number 96 on the chart.
This brings Burna Boy’s total Billboard Hot 100 entries to seven, more than any other African artist to date.
Even more impressive, Burna Boy is now the first African artist to debut a song on the Billboard Hot 100 for five straight years—from 2021 to 2025.
His consistent international success has made him a global music icon, earning him comparisons with some of the biggest names in the industry.
Many fans reacted to Burna Boy’s remarks about what he might have become with mixed feelings. Some praised his honesty and applauded him for using his talent to escape the streets. Others expressed concern about the underlying message.
On X (formerly Twitter), a user wrote: “Burna Boy is proof that many young Nigerians turn to crime not because they want to, but because the system leaves them with no other choice. Thank God he found music.”
Another wrote: “This is why we must invest in youth talent. How many more Burna Boys are out there wasting away because they don’t have support or opportunities?”
Cultural critic Ify Okeke said the statement, while dramatic, reflects a painful reality. “Whether it was for effect or just raw honesty, Burna Boy is highlighting the desperation many young people feel. That’s something we can’t ignore,” she said.
Burna Boy’s journey adds to a long list of Nigerian artists who have used music to escape poverty, crime, and social challenges.
Stars like Olamide, Davido, Wizkid, and Asake have also shared stories of growing up in tough environments, using music as their escape and as a tool for change.
Today, Burna Boy is not just a musician but a global brand. His Grammy win, multiple BET Awards, sold-out international concerts, and major brand partnerships show how far he has come.
Despite his success, he remains outspoken, often using his platform to comment on politics, youth struggles, and social injustice.
While Burna Boy’s words may have shocked some, they also serve as a reminder of the importance of supporting creative talents, investing in youth development, and creating opportunities for the next generation.
For Burna Boy, music saved him. Now, he hopes his story will inspire others to chase their dreams—no matter how impossible they may seem at first.
