Nigerian music superstar, Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, has made a powerful statement about the state of his home country, describing Nigeria as “collateral damage.”
In a recent interview with Tidal, the Grammy-winning artist shared his thoughts on the nation’s struggles, emphasizing the negative impact of its cultural diversity and the socio-political challenges that continue to hinder its growth.
Burna Boy, often known for his outspoken views on social and political issues, didn’t hold back in his critique of Nigeria’s current situation. “Nigeria, as it stands, was never meant to be a country,” he said.
He described the nation as a product of a failed business deal, tracing its origins back to the colonial era.
“Nigeria is nothing but the result of a bad business enterprise entered into by the British—a country born from the amalgamation of regions that were never intended to function as one.”
The Afro-fusion star explained that the area now known as Nigeria was once called the Niger Area, a region acquired by the Royal Niger Company.
“When the company decided to amalgamate the North and South, they did so without considering the people living there. The people of the Niger Area were simply collateral damage in this transaction between the British and the Niger Company,” Burna Boy remarked.
His comments have sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many Nigerians resonating with his sentiments and calling for change. Burna Boy highlighted the need for more accountability and better leadership in Nigeria, stressing that the country should not continue to be treated as expendable in both global and local affairs.
Reflecting on the challenges facing Nigeria today, Burna Boy expressed deep concern over the nation’s socio-political environment.
“The cultural diversity that should be our strength has become a bane against our growth,” he noted, pointing to the divisions and conflicts that have plagued Nigeria over the years.