What are the best songs by Burna Boy? Yes, he has no misses, but surely there must be favourites. Before the hits, there’s the man, Burna Boy: African Giant, Odogwu, Grammy Award Winner. He sings about being a “common person,” but none of these titles come easily or are common.
More than a musician, Burna Boy is a force. You don’t have to be a fan to see or hear about him. From Oraimo packs to TV stations, Burna is everywhere, just like MTN. Whatever you feel about him, you certainly can’t deny his genius. From his deep vocals to his Fela-rated performances, we see him carry Afrofusion with so much grace. And yes, his grandfather was Fela’s first manager, artistry runs in the family. He’s one of the voices who made African music into the global phenomenon that it is now.
In case there’s a minority that has never heard, let this be your map. To the Outsiders (his fans), you know how hard it is to pick a top seven.
7 Best of Burna Boy
1. Ye (Outside, 2018)
2. Anybody (African Giant, 2019)
3. Gbona (African Giant, 2019)
4. Last Last (Love, Damini, 2022)
5. On the Low (African Giant, 2019)
6. Dangote (African Giant, 2019)
7. Common Person (Love, Damini, 2022)
7 Best of Burna Boy
These 7 tracks cut across different shades of Burna Boy and three different albums. From a seductive love song to a breakup song, from confidence and motivation to everyday challenges, it’s the whole shade of Burna. Below are 7 songs by Burna Boy that fans couldn’t stop listening to.
1. Ye
Think of “Ye” as a sweet twist of fate. This was the track from his 2018 “Outside” album that introduced him to the world. Curious people ran to it, expecting the new Kanye release with the same title, but were introduced to Burna. No one walked away disappointed.
It’s a soft hustler’s anthem that deeply resonated with everyone seeking better lives. For Nigerians, it became an anthem, resonating with them on the many problems they were suffering from just to make money. Hustling, however, isn’t a Nigerian language; who doesn’t want a G-wagon or Bentley? Classic Burna, he didn’t forget to say he was nobody’s mate if you’re a Commissioner, he’s Head of State.
2. Anybody
Burna said “cool as ice” as he settled scores. If you need a song to be your own cheerleader, this is it. His energy was so charged, but he chose to be mellow because he didn’t have the time to spare for his enemies. He knows he’s in nobody’s lane; he tops a league on his own, so why should he bother?
You’re probably dancing too hard to notice the message he’s passing across. You respect me, I respect you, but you must know that I’m special. Why do you even need a self-esteem coach when you have OluwaBurna?
3. Gbona
When Burna Boy says “gbona,” he means it would be hot. It’s a rich combination of confidence and swagger, horns and drums. And his vocals? Amazing! This was a gbedu (danceable song) that took over all of our bodies. With this track, you’d understand that when Burna says he’s Head of State, that’s exactly who he is.
With “Gbona,” not only do the girls shake their bodies. Boys and girls, ladies and gents, young and old, everybody grooved to the gbedu.
4. Last Last
“E don cast, lass lass, na everybody go chop breakfast.” Who said breakup songs have to be slow and extremely sad? Aren’t you sad enough? “Breakfast” in Nigeria ranges from disappointments to heartbreak (Burna’s side of the coin). Even he probably didn’t think his vulnerable side would become a national anthem and a global sensation. This is the part of Burna you don’t see every day, hence the appreciation, alongside the masterful presentation, of course.
It’s funny at first to see the African Giant cry and even admit to it, then we reflect on the impact of the loss in his heart. Now, he promises it’ll go round, so when it is your turn, take it like a boss and create danceable moments in the midst of your tears. He gave us dancefloors for heartbreak. It was inspired by Toni Braxton’s “He Wasn’t Man Enough for Me.”
5. On the Low
It’s just like Burna Boy to sing “On the Low” when he’s always on a high. On this track, we see a romantic Burna. It’s so sweet and smooth that it takes over your brain, and you’re not even his Angelina.
“On the Low” is so sweetly seductive. It is a mid-tempo love song with a mesmerizing rhythm. It is very enticing to see the soft side of Burna Boy. The part where he’s at his woman’s beck and call, making promises to never disappoint her. Enchanted Burna Boy? We love to see it.
6. Dangote
“Dangote still dey find money o…” That was the iconic line that made “Dangote” unforgettable in our hearts. Burna Boy uses Nigeria’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, as the symbol of hustle, reminding us that if even a billionaire is still chasing wealth, who are we not to? The song blends Afrobeat rhythms with socially conscious lyrics, touching on economic struggle, corruption, and the grind culture in Nigeria. It’s relatable, smart, and deeply Nigerian.
Not just Dangote, he adds other powerful names like Alakija, Otedola, Adeleke, and Adenuga, some of the richest Nigerians. His message is loud and clear. If these money tycoons still work so hard, why shouldn’t Burna? What is your excuse? It’s not just a song; it’s a social commentary, a street anthem, and a motivational slap at the same time. That’s why “Dangote” is one of Burna’s most impactful songs that shows him as a hard worker and a supporter of hard work.
7. Common Person
On some days, Burna Boy is the voice of the masses. It is a commentary on class struggle, societal expectations of the masses, and the burden they have to carry every day. It compares the worker with the people they work for. He emphasizes justice and balance, that being less privileged shouldn’t rob people of happiness.
Burna is standing in solidarity with everyday people, but also subtly exposing a system where the masses work tirelessly and still get the barest minimum, not even something as minute as happiness. So while the song may sound like a celebration of everyday life, it’s also a quiet protest; a vocalisation of every man’s dignity, irrespective of his class.
Conclusion
From 2012 to date, Burna Boy is one artist who hasn’t lost his voice and stance on matters. He knows exactly who he is and lives up to that high expectation. He sets the pace, and the world catches up. That’s Burna Boy. That’s why we love him. Which song on this list couldn’t you stop listening to? For new takers, which would you first experience? Start from “Like to Party” and let’s bring you “Outside.”
Of course, this list is subjective. Does your favorite seven match ours?
