Nigerian singer Burna Boy has been named among 15 African Icons featured in Forbes Africa’s October–November 2026 anniversary edition, which marks 15 years of the magazine’s coverage of the continent.

The Grammy-winning musician, whose real name is Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, appears in the feature titled “The Icons”, which brings together personalities from different fields whose ideas, achievements and voices have made lasting contributions to Africa. 

Burna Boy’s inclusion comes after years of international success that have established him as one of Nigeria’s most prominent music exports. His 2019 album African Giant earned a nomination at the 2020 Grammy Awards for Best World Music Album, bringing him wider recognition beyond the Afrobeats audience.

He won his first Grammy in 2021, when Twice as Tall won Best Global Music Album at the 63rd Grammy Awards. The album, executive-produced by American rapper and record producer Diddy alongside Burna Boy’s mother, Bose Ogulu, featured collaborations with artists including Chris Martin, Youssou N'Dour and Stormzy.

The singer continued his international run with Love, Damini, released in 2022, which included the hit single “Last Last” becoming one of his most recognisable releases and received a nomination for Best Global Music Performance at the 2023 Grammy Awards.

In 2023, he released I Told Them…, an album featuring artists including 21 Savage, J. Cole, Dave and RZA. The project received a Grammy nomination for Best Global Music Album at the 66th Grammy Awards in 2024. His later releases have continued to earn recognition from the Recording Academy, including nominations at the 2025 and 2026 Grammy Awards.

Burna Boy has also performed at major international venues, including the London Stadium and New York’s Citi Field. 

The Forbes Africa anniversary edition, published on October 9, 2026, features 15 personalities from business, culture, sports, literature and public life.