In a dazzling display of musical prowess and star power, Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Damini Ogulu, better known as Burna Boy, has once again ascended to new heights. His recent ‘I Told Them’ tour has not only captivated audiences worldwide but also set a new record for the highest-grossing Canadian tour by an African artist. The ‘I Told Them’ tour grossed an impressive $5.7 million from six concerts, cementing Burna Boy’s status as a trailblazer in the music industry.
This remarkable achievement was disclosed by the American tour statistics company, Touring Data, which highlighted Burna Boy’s meteoric rise in a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter). With 69,219 tickets sold across his Canadian shows, Burna Boy’s tour has set a new benchmark for African artists in North America. It’s safe to say that Burna Boy is not just sitting on top of the world; he’s also shattering it with every performance.
I TOLD THEM…, @burnaboy
Capital One Arena, Washington: 13,892 (100%) – $1,724,853
Hard Rock Live, Hollywood: 5,591 (87.55%) – $965,925
Amalie Arena, Tampa: 5,890 (90.03%) – $580,424
Rogers Arena, Vancouver: 7,198 (90.39%) – $527,395— Touring Data (@touringdata) June 13, 2024
Breaking Records and Setting Standards
Burna Boy’s recent tour highlights include earning the highest-grossing arena concert by an African artist in the United States, raking in $1.725 million at the Capital One Arena in Washington on March 7, 2024. This feat surpasses his own previous record set at TD Garden in Boston. Not one to rest on his laurels, Burna Boy’s concert at the Hard Rock Live in Hollywood on March 12 boasted an average ticket price of $172.76, making it the most expensive concert by an African artiste in history.
As if that wasn’t enough to solidify his superstar status, Burna Boy’s Canadian tour grossed $5.7 million from six shows, setting a new record for an African artiste in the Great White North. With these achievements, Burna Boy is not just making history; he’s rewriting it.
A Journey to the Top
Born Damini Ogulu, Burna Boy burst onto the music scene in 2013 with the release of ‘Like to Party,’ the lead single from his debut album ‘L.I.F.E.’ Since then, his career has been a whirlwind of hit albums, groundbreaking performances, and prestigious awards. In 2021, he clinched the Grammy for Best World Music Album with his fifth studio effort, ‘Twice As Tall,’ and in 2024, he became the first African artist to perform at the Grammy main ceremony, sharing the stage with 21 Savage and Brandy for a stellar rendition of his hit single ‘Sittin’ On Top Of The World.’
Global Recognition and Influence
Burna Boy’s influence extends beyond music. In April, he was named one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people for 2024, a testament to his impact on global culture. His contributions to the entertainment industry have even been recognized by the Canadian Senate, which hailed him for his significant contributions to their cultural landscape.
Back home in Nigeria, Burna Boy’s impact has been recognized as profound. The ace Nigerian comedian Alibaba recently lauded him for doing more for national awareness than any of the country’s ambassadors. “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,” Alibaba said, highlighting the substantial economic and cultural contributions of the creative industry.
The Road Ahead
With his record-breaking ‘I Told Them’ tour, Burna Boy has set a new standard for African artists on the global stage. His blend of Afrofusion, charisma, and relentless drive continues to captivate audiences and break barriers, proving that the Nigerian star is not just a musical powerhouse but also a cultural icon.
So, whether you’ve been a fan since ‘Like to Party’ or you’ve recently hopped on the Burna bandwagon, one thing is clear: Burna Boy’s journey is far from over. Keep your eyes and ears open, because this African Giant is just getting started.
