Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, has opened up about his faith journey, revealing that he was raised as a Christian before later converting to Islam as part of his spiritual evolution.
The City Boy crooner made the disclosure during a live chat with American streamer PlaqueBoyMax, where he discussed his beliefs, his quest for understanding, and his views on organised religion.
"I grew up as a Christian, and then I converted to Islam. I have studied it all, and I am still finding out what is really going on. The more I research, the more confused I get," Burna Boy said.
According to him, his spiritual journey has led him to question conventional religious systems and instead pursue a direct, personal connection with a higher power.
"I’m trying to be above belief; I’m trying to know, because you don’t need to believe if you know. You only need to believe if you don’t know," he explained.
The Afro-fusion star also described religion as "a control mechanism," though he clarified that his criticism was not an attack on faith itself but on how people use it.
"Religion is bullshit. It’s all a control mechanism. I believe in a higher power. Clearly, we are creations, and there must be a creator," he said, adding that prayer remains central to his life.
"When I close my eyes while praying, I feel like my prayer is being heard. I don’t know by whom. As I’m praying and receiving answers, I feel like I am so blessed," he added.
During the same session, Burna Boy also announced his admiration for the late Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, calling him the only artiste greater than himself.
"He is the king. He is the only one greater than me," Burna Boy said while singing Fela’s iconic protest song, Coffin for Head of State.
Beyond music, Burna Boy has expanded his creative reach into filmmaking. He recently served as executive producer of 3 Cold Dishes, a revenge thriller directed by Nigerian filmmaker Asurf Oluseyi.
The film, which tells the story of three African women seeking justice against their oppressors, was shot across Nigeria, Benin and Côte d’Ivoire.
It premiered at London’s Cineworld and later screened at the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) in Lagos.
Through his production company, Spaceship Films, Burna Boy is promoting pan-African storytelling to global audiences.
3 Cold Dishes is set for release in 26 African countries as well as France, the United States (US) and Canada.
The 2021 Grammy winner for Best Global Music Album with Twice As Tall recently released his eighth studio project, No Sign of Weakness, further cementing his status as one of Africa’s most influential artistes.
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