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Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Warner Music

Burna Boy performs onstage at the Warner Music Group Pre-Grammy Party at Hollywood Athletic Club on January 23, 2020 in Hollywood, California.

Nigeria Confers Burna Boy With 'Distinguished Service Star' Award After Historic Grammy Win

Burna Boy: "I have collected honours everywhere in the world, but it feels different when you get it from home."

The Nigerian government has awarded Burna Boy with the Distinguished Service Star of Rivers State (DSSRS) title. The award was reportedly conferred in his hometown of Port Harcourt this past weekend. This follows Burna Boy's astounding win at the 63rd Grammy Awards two weeks ago for his critically acclaimed album Twice As Tall. According to reports, the DSSRS is the state's second-highest distinction award and is given in recognition of exceptional service or performance in any field of human endeavour.


Read: Listen to Burna Boy's Feature On Justin Bieber's 'Loved By You'

Governor Nyesom Wike reportedly handed over the award to Burna boy, real name Damini Ogulu, with his family and management in attendance, this according to the Daily Nigerian. In addition to the award title, Burna Boy will be gifted a plot of land as well as funds to build a house on the land. Wike stated that the award was a token of gratitude and hoped that it would serve as an encouragement to River State for its people to strive to get to Burna Boy's level. The bar has, admittedly, been set very high though Burna Boy was humble in his response to the award:

"I have collected honours everywhere in the world, but it feels different when you get it from home. This is my most humble moment and I thank each and every one of you. I thank the best Governor I have ever experienced. I don't like politics and politicians but my Governor has shown me that there is hope for the youths and there is hope for us. This award is not only for me but for all of you and the future Burna Boys. I love you Port Harcourt, everywhere I go, I carry you with me''

According to Music in Africa, the conferral happened during Burna Boy's homecoming concert in honour of his grammy win and was well attended by his hometown fans. His fellow Port Harcourt musicians including Duncan Mighty and Timaya also performed in his honour and reportedly received monetary honorariums from the governor.

Burna Boy won the "Best Global Music Album" Grammy for Twice as Tall after performing an amazing 20 minute rendition of four of his hit singles. He beat out Brazilian-American pop singer Bebel Gilberto, British-Indian sitar player and composer Anoushka Shankar, Brooklyn-based Afrobeat band Antibalas and Tuareg collective Tinariwen who won in 2012 for their album Tassili.

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(Atlantic Records)

Burna Boy Shares New Single ‘Sittin' On Top Of The World’

The African Giant samples Brandy and Ma$e in his new summertime-ready single.

Odogwu is back and sitting on top of the world!

Burna Boy has graced the airwaves once again with his latest single called "Sittin’ On Top Of The World," marking his highly anticipated solo debut in 2023.

The distinguished Nigerian artist, who is currently on tour, has shared this track as a delightful auditory treat for his dedicated fans. The song seamlessly incorporates elements from Brandy and M a$e’ss 1998 hit "Top Of The World.”

Notably, the composition of the song captivates listeners with its summer-ready sample, also showcasing Burna Boy's remarkable vocal range and effortlessly smooth delivery.

Earlier this year, Burna Boy featured on the single "Mera Na," a heartfelt production by the late Indian hip-hop luminary Sidhu Moose Wala, who passed away last year. “Sittin’ On Top Of The World” is yet another demonstration of Burna’s versatility and global appeal as he continues to solidify his position as an influential force in the music world. The single also shows Burna Boy’s ability to bring the signature “Burna vibe” to any record.

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The Best Afrobeats Songs Right Now

Featuring tracks from Joeboy, Amaarae, Odumodublvck, Wande Coal, Wizkid, Ckay, and more.

Afrobeats is one of the biggest cultural movements in the world. Influencing everything from fashion to sports, the music acts as the adhesive, catching on to listeners of all demographics and shaping the scene in Africa with great potential. With the growing number of new Afrobeats releases every month, it becomes necessary to round up the best of the bunch. From singles to new music videos, the continent’s vast expanse will be covered in our "Best Afrobeats Songs Out Right Now" column. Get started below.

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ISAAC KASAMANI/AFP via Getty Images

Uganda's President Will "Go To War" Over New Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill

President Museveni is defending the world's harshest anti-human rights bill, threatening death for being gay.

Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has declared that he will go to war to protect the country's anti-LGBTQ+ bill passed this week. "The NRM (National Resistance Movement) has never had two languages," he said in a statement released by his office on Wednesday, "What we tell you in the day is what we shall say to you at night. The signing of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill is finished; nobody will move us, and we should be ready for a war. Remember, war is not for the soft." Museveni made an onslaught of chaotic comments when he met with lawmakers from his ruling party this week, as he continues to defend signing one of the world's harshest anti-LGBTQ+ bills to date.

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The Best South African Songs Right Now

Featuring new South African music from Inkabi Zezwe, Nomfundo Moh, Tyla, K.O, A-Reece and more.

Here are the South African songs and music videos that caught our attention this month.

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