Though the grand reception of Grammy Award winning Afrobeat super star, Burna Boy, by the Rivers State Government has come and gone, the evergreen memories of the events that marked the historic night of fun, razzmatazz, glitz and glamour still echo loud and clear in the hearts of those who were opportuned to witness the celebration of creativity and hard work.
Nigeria’s Garden City and capital of the nation’s treasure base literally stood still in honour of Damini, Ebunoluwa Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy on Saturday March 27, 2021, as a humongus crowd comprising the state Governor, Chief (Barr) Nyesom Wike, top government officials, captains of industry, fans and fun seekers from different parts of the state and beyond as well as constellation of stars from the entertainment clan, stormed the EUI Event Centre, along Abacha Road, GRA, Port Harcourt, to identify and celebrate with their home boy, the Ahoada West Rivers State born, African Giant, Burna Boy.
In his address at the memorable event, the State Governor, Chief (Barr) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, congratulated Burna Boy on his global achievement and described him as the pride of Rivers State for the rare feat of becoming the winner of the prestigious and highly coveted Grammy Award in the global music album category at the 63rd edition of the annual Grammy Award held on Sunday March 14, 2021 at Los Angeles in USA.
The highly elated governor stated that the state reception for Burna Boy was one of the happiest moments in his life as he won the award during his tenure as the governor of the state and the first of its kind in the story of the state. He noted that Rivers State was known globally for her great talents and enviable potentials to the glory of God as he recalled that Rivers State produced the first ever black African Miss World, Agbani Derego.
Governor Wike, on behalf of the Rivers State Government and good people of the state, conferred on Burna Boy, the Distinguished Service Star of Rivers State (DSSRS), which is the second highest honour to be bestowed on an individual by the state government. The governor also donated land to Burna Boy at the Old GRA axis of the state, as well as money to build a befitting house.
He said that the honour was aimed at appreciating and encouraging indigenes of the state who show outstanding talent and stand out above others in their chosen endeavours. Governor Wike charged Burna Boy not to relent in his musical exploits as the state government would continue to give him all the necessary support he requires.
The governor also commended Timaya, Duncan Mighty and other artistes who attended the event in honour of Burna Boy even as he announced a gift of N10 million each to the artistes that performed at the well-attended reception.
In her welcome address, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mrs Tonye Briggs Oniyinde, stressed that in the entertainment industry, nominations for any honour’s platform was an indication that the artiste provided value through his or her creativity and hard work.
The commissioner described the Grammy as the biggest and highest achievement for any musical artiste in the world. She stressed that Burna Boy’s victory at the global stage would serve as a spring board for other artistes to aspire to greater heights in their chosen careers.
In his vote of thanks, Burna Boy who was accompanied by his parents and siblings, said he was highly grateful and humbled by the grand state reception and honour conferred on him by the Rivers State Government.
“I really appreciate being here, this is probably the biggest honour that will be bestowed on me since I was born, it is one thing to win the Grammy and to be applauded every where else in the world and another thing to be loved in your own home and, that to me is worth more than anything I can get, so I appreciate you, my governor, for taking your time out to do this”, he said.
The night’s event witnessed thrilling performance by some notable artistes and comedians. Among the artistes were Timaya, Duncan Mighty, the sensational Bamidele, Ibiso Edwards, Mossy B, Ajiebo Jazz Saxophonist C.C. Johnson, Maxi and Bulkwise among others.
The comedians included, Prince Hezekiah, Arinze Baba, Danny Spy, Busy Mouth, etc as well as the XYE band, the virtue kid Dancers, Wrestling, Cultural dances and masquerade display by the Rivers State Council for Arts and Culture, among other side attractions.
Burna Boys Profile
Burna Boy was born Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, on July 2 1991 in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State. He is a singer, song writer, rapper and dancer.
He rose to prominence in 2012 after releasing ‘Like to Party’, the lead single from his debut studio album LIFE (2013). In 2017, Burna Boy signed with Bad Habit/Atlantic Records in the USA and Warner Music Group international.
His third studio album, ‘Outside’ marked his major label debut in 2019. He won the Best International Act at the 2019 BET Awards and was announced as an Apple Music Up Next Artiste.
His fourth studio album was released in July 2019, it won Album of the year at the 2019 All African Music Awards (AFRIMA). He was nominated for Best Music Album of the Year at the 2019 All Africa Music Awards was nominated for World Best Music Album at 62nd annual Grammy Awards which he lost to Angelique Kidjo.
He was awarded the African Artiste of the Year at the 2020 VGMA’s. In 2020 his album ‘Twice As Tall’ was nominated for the same category at the 63rd annual Grammy, in 2021 he won with Twice As Tall on Sunday, March 14, 2021 at Los Angeles, USA.

By: Jacob Obinna