Grammy-winning Nigerian superstar Burna Boy has given fans fresh insight into the music legends who inspire him and his list may surprise many.
The Afrofusion giant was recently spotted in Zurich, Switzerland, where he linked up with tennis legend Roger Federer in partnership with Swiss sportswear brand, ON. During their hangout, the duo engaged in a lively conversation about the idea of “GOATs” the Greatest of All Time in their respective fields.
When Federer asked Burna Boy who he considered his GOAT singers, the African Giant wasted no time in giving credit to homegrown sounds. “My GOAT singers are mostly Fuji artistes like the Fuji legend, Saheed Osupa,” Burna revealed, proudly spotlighting the Nigerian genre that has shaped much of his artistry.
This wasn’t just an offhand mention. Burna Boy has long shown admiration for Fuji music and Saheed Osupa in particular. Eagle-eyed fans may remember a Saheed Osupa CD making a cameo in the video for “Way Too Big” from Burna’s 2020 album Twice As Tall, a subtle tribute to the Fuji maestro’s influence on his style.
In return, Burna Boy flipped the question back to Federer, curious about the tennis icon’s own all-time music greats. Federer leaned into timeless global classics, listing Whitney Houston, Tina Turner, and Freddie Mercury as his personal GOATs.
The exchange not only highlighted Burna Boy’s deep respect for Fuji music but also showed how cultural legends, across sports and music, find common ground in honoring the voices that shaped them.
