Afrofusion musician Burna Boy, according to top Nigerian comedian Alibaba, has “done more for national awareness than any of the country’s ambassadors.”
Alibaba recently discussed the entertainment sector’s effect on Nigeria’s economy in an interview with Channels TV.
The 58-year-old, who was born Atunyota Akpobome, bemoaned the fact that the government had not recognised opportunities in the creative sector in the past.
But he went on to say that the value of the creative sector has “skyrocketed” and is now one of the main drivers of the country’s economy.
“Two years ago, a forecast of the economy of Nigeria in the next five years was looked into by the Nigeria Economic Summit Group. Entertainment and the creative industry were not considered. Not one page. In looking forward to Nigeria for the next five years, a booklet of about 200 pages, the creative industry was not there,” he said.
“The value of the creative industry right now? Beyond. For instance, you have a single artiste going to London at the 02 Arena, closing it down and earning close a million, two million pounds, and coming back to Nigeria with that kind of money, even if they took 50% of it… Burna Boy has done a lot more for Nigerian national awareness than any ambassador that has been posted to America, posted to the UK, or posted to any other place.
“So these artistes that are performing are bringing national awareness and making other countries to even know about us than any ambassador would have done.”
The lead track from Burna Boy‘s debut album, “L.I.F.E.” (2013), “Like to Party,” helped him become well-known.
After his fifth album, “Twice As Tall,” won the Grammy Award for “Best World Music Album,” Burna Boy broke a record in Nigeria in 2021.
The singer was listed as one of the 100 most influential people for 2024 by Time Magazine in April.
The Canadian Senate praised Burna Boy for his contribution to their entertainment industry in the same month.
