When Grammy winner Burna Boy sits down for international interviews, you never know what he’s going to say.
But his latest revelation has left the Nigerian music industry buzzing – and one Fuji legend feeling incredibly honored.
During a recent appearance on Complex’s “The Goat Talk” show alongside tennis superstar Roger Federer, Burna Boy was asked to name his greatest singers of all time.
His answer caught everyone off guard: “My GOAT singers are mostly like Fuji artists. Like Saheed Osupa.”
Just like that, the “African Giant” had put one of Nigeria’s most respected traditional music icons on the global map in a whole new way.
The moment Burna Boy’s words hit the internet, Nigerian music fans lost their minds.
Fuji enthusiasts were particularly thrilled to see their beloved genre getting international recognition from one of Africa’s biggest global stars.
It wasn’t just about the shout-out itself, it was about what it represented.
Here was Burna Boy, who’s performed at Coachella and won Grammys, telling the world that his musical inspiration comes from traditional Nigerian Fuji music.
Saheed Osupa didn’t just smile and move on. The veteran musician was genuinely moved by the recognition, and he made sure everyone knew how much it meant to him.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Osupa poured his heart out: “Burna Boy’s heartfelt tribute, naming me as his GOAT singer on a global stage, is a monumental moment that celebrates the soul of Fuji music and its timeless influence.”
But he didn’t stop there. The Fuji king went on to explain what this moment means beyond just personal recognition:
“This honour not only uplifts my journey but also shines a brilliant light on our cultural heritage, bridging generations and genres worldwide.”
You can tell this wasn’t just another celebrity mention for Osupa, it was validation of decades of work keeping Fuji music alive and relevant.
What makes this whole thing even more beautiful is how Osupa responded to Burna Boy’s praise.
Instead of just basking in the glory, he immediately flipped it and showed love right back.
“I am profoundly grateful for this acknowledgment from a true Afropop titan, the African Giant himself, of whom I am also a great fan,” Osupa wrote.
He even mentioned wanting to attend one of Burna Boy’s concerts to show support in return.
The respect is clearly mutual, and Osupa sees the bigger picture: “Together, we are redefining African music legacy and inspiring the world with authentic, vibrant sounds.”
