Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, known as Burna Boy, has been recognised by Forbes Africa in a special anniversary edition. This edition celebrates 15 influential African personalities whose achievements and ideas have shaped the continent.
Burna Boy, a Grammy-winning singer, is featured in the magazine’s “The Icons” selection. This selection is published in the October–November 2026 issue to mark 15 years of Forbes Africa documenting Africa’s business leaders, cultural figures, innovators and changemakers.
Burna Boy’s inclusion highlights the growing significance of African talent and influence on the global stage. He joins prominent African personalities from various fields, including business, public service, sport, literature, entertainment and more.
The selection also includes Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote, media entrepreneur Mo Abudu, World Trade Organisation Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and several other individuals whose work has garnered international recognition.
Other honourees include South African businessman Patrice Motsepe, Zimbabwean entrepreneur Strive Masiyiwa, former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Ethiopian athletics legend Haile Gebrselassie, former Ivorian footballer Didier Drogba and comedian Trevor Noah.
Rather than presenting a conventional ranking, the anniversary feature brings together 15 personalities whose contributions span different sectors. Their influence continues to shape Africa’s cultural, economic and social landscape.
For Burna Boy, this recognition underscores the international reach of Nigerian music and the impact of Afrobeats in bringing African sounds stories and creative expression to audiences worldwide.
