Ghanaian rapper M.anifest has heaped praise on Nigerian superstar Burna Boy, describing his rise to global stardom as one of the most remarkable success stories in African music.
Speaking in a recent interview on Joy Prime, M.anifest said Burna Boy’s achievements over the past seven years have been extraordinary, noting that the Grammy winner has accomplished so much in what feels like a relatively short period.
“27th July was the 7th anniversary of African Giant [Burna’s album] and I said to myself, see what this man has done in seven years. It feels like an eternity. Stadium tours and everything. It’s really dope,” he said.
Beyond the music, M.anifest revealed that he has always admired Burna Boy’s journey, over which they share meaningful conversations whenever they meet.
According to him, even before they became friends, he and his close associates believed Burna Boy embodied everything needed to represent African music on the global stage.
“He ticked many boxes; great songs, a great performer, charisma and even the confidence to demand his worth,” M.anifest remarked.
The rapper went on to credit Burna Boy with helping reshape Africa’s place in the global music industry, arguing that his success created opportunities for a new generation of African stars to dream bigger.
“I think he really broke the door for the new wave of superstars who can now also become African giants in their own lanes. “I’m hoping some of our artistes from here will also have that kind of generational run. It’s good for all of us and for African music as a whole,” he said.
M.anifest pointed to artistes such as Black Sherif, Tems and Asake as beneficiaries of the global path Burna Boy helped carve, saying they are now breaking new ground internationally in their own unique ways.
Describing Burna Boy’s career as “a generational run,” M.anifest expressed hope that more Ghanaian musicians would enjoy similar long-lasting global success.
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