Burna Boy's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 20, 2026

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Burna Boy. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Burna Boy, whose real name is Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, is a prominent Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer. He rose to fame in 2012 with his hit song "Like to Party" from his debut album L.I.F.E. (2013). Burna Boy further solidified his career by signing with Atlantic Records and Warner Music Group in 2017. His major label debut, the album Outside, was released in 2018, marking a significant milestone in his career.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2014: Nomination for Best Album of the Year

In 2014, Burna Boy's album L.I.F.E was nominated for Best Album of the Year at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards.

February 2018: "Outside" debuts on Billboard Reggae Albums chart

In February 2018, Burna Boy's album Outside debuted at number three on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart.

January 2019: Performs at Coachella

On 3 January 2019, Burna Boy was announced as one of the artists performing at the 2019 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. He also won four awards at the Soundcity MVP Awards Festival, including African Artiste of the Year.

June 2019: Wins Best International Act at BET Awards

On 24 June 2019, Burna Boy won Best International Act at the 2019 BET Awards.

2019: Wins BET Award and releases African Giant

In 2019, Burna Boy won Best International Act at the BET Awards and was named an Apple Music Up Next artist. He also released his fourth studio album, African Giant, in 2019, which later won Album of the Year.

November 2020: Nominated for Grammy Award

On 24 November 2020, Burna Boy's album Twice as Tall was nominated for Best Global Album at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards.

2020: Wins African Artist of the Year and releases Twice as Tall

In 2020, Burna Boy won African Artist of the Year at the Ghana Music Awards, and released his fifth studio album Twice as Tall, which later won Best World Music Album at the Grammy Awards.

March 2021: Wins Grammy Award

On 15 March 2021, Burna Boy won the Grammy award for Best Global Music album for Twice As Tall. Burna Boy's song "Destiny" was included in the playlist at the inauguration of Joe Biden.

Loading Video...

2021: Wins Best International Act at BET Awards

In 2021, Burna Boy won Best International Act at the BET Awards for the third time.

2021: Named One of Pitchfork's Most Important Artists

In 2021, Pitchfork named Burna Boy one of the most important artists of their first 25 years.

October 2022: Awarded Member of the Order of the Federal Republic

In October 2022, Burna Boy was awarded the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic plaque for his achievements in music.

2022: Named Best Solo Act in the World by NME

In 2022, Burna Boy was named the "Best Solo Act in the World" by NME.

2023: Named as one of the people shaping the global fashion industry

In 2023, BOF named Burna Boy as one of the people shaping the global fashion industry.

2023: Ranked on Rolling Stone's list and wins BET Award

In 2023, Rolling Stone ranked Burna Boy number 197 on its list of the 200 greatest singers of all time. Burna Boy also won his fourth Best International Act at the 2023 BET Awards. His song "Last Last" won Afrobeats Single of the Year and Song of the Year at The Headies 2023.

Loading Video...