Burna Boy — Tiny Desk Concert (NPR), 2019

Filmed live concert by Burna Boy for NPR Music’s Tiny Desk, recorded in 2019 at the radio’s offices in Washington. A Nigerian singer and songwriter, Burna Boy was by then one of the biggest names in African music, a pioneer of “afro-fusion” that grafts soul, dancehall and varied influences onto an afrobeat foundation inherited from Fela Kuti. The year 2019, marked by the album African Giant and a contribution to the Beyoncé-led soundtrack The Lion King: The Gift, saw him break through internationally. This live concert, more intimate and restrained than his usual shows, foregrounds songwriting and voice. The multi-song live format runs through four tracks: “Gbona”, “Wetin Man Go Do”, “Dangote” and “Ye”. Backed by his band, Burna Boy delivers a performance that distils the highlights of African Giant. Captured by NPR Music (editorial production: Bobby Carter). Nigerian afrobeats to discover as a filmed live concert. Year: 2019. Part of NPR Music’s acclaimed Tiny Desk series, this full live session can be watched online.