Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, has revealed that he was raised a Christian before converting to Islam — describing his faith journey as a continuous search for truth and deeper spiritual understanding.
Gatekeepers News reports that the ‘City Boy’ crooner disclosed this during a live conversation with American streamer PlaqueBoyMax, where he spoke candidly about religion, spirituality, and his evolving beliefs.
“I grew up as a Christian, and then I converted to Islam. I have studied it all, and I am still finding out what is really going on. The more I research, the more confused I get,” Burna Boy said.
He explained that his experience has led him to question organised religion, preferring instead to pursue a personal connection with a higher power.
“I am trying to be above belief; I’m trying to know, because you don’t need to believe if you know. You only need to believe if you don’t know,” he added.
Burna Boy went further to describe religion as a system of control, noting that while he respects people of faith, his focus remains on spirituality rather than doctrine.
“Religion is bullshit. It’s all a control mechanism. I believe in a higher power. Clearly, we are creations, and there must be a creator,” he said.
According to him, prayer continues to play a vital role in his life despite his complex views on religion.
“When I close my eyes while praying, I feel like my prayer is being heard. I don’t know by whom. As I’m praying and receiving answers, I feel like I am so blessed,” he noted.
During the same session, Burna Boy also paid tribute to late Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, calling him the only musician greater than himself.
“He is the king. He is the only one greater than me,” he said while performing Fela’s protest anthem ‘Coffin for Head of State’.
Beyond music, Burna Boy continues to expand his creative influence. He recently served as executive producer for ‘3 Cold Dishes’, a revenge thriller directed by Nigerian filmmaker Asurf Oluseyi.
The film — which follows three African women seeking justice against the men who wronged them — was shot across Nigeria, Benin, and Côte d’Ivoire, premiering first in London before screening at the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) in Lagos.
Through his production company, Spaceship Films, Burna Boy aims to promote pan-African storytelling and global recognition for African cinema. ‘3 Cold Dishes’ is set for release across 26 African countries, as well as France, the United States, and Canada.
The Grammy winner, who clinched the Best Global Music Album award in 2021 for ‘Twice As Tall’, recently dropped his eighth studio album, ‘No Sign of Weakness’.
