Superstar singer Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, has sparked widespread discussion with his recent comments on Nigeria’s socio-political situation.
In a candid interview with Tidal, the Grammy-winning artist shared his views on the country’s formation, governance, and the lingering effects of colonialism, describing Nigeria as “collateral damage” from a failed business deal by the British.
Burna Boy, known for using his music and platform to address social issues, did not hold back in his assessment of Nigeria.
During the interview, which aired on Friday, he expressed deep concern over the current state of the country, attributing many of its problems to poor governance and the lasting impact of colonialism.
He suggested that Nigeria’s diverse cultural makeup, often seen as a strength, has instead become a barrier to national unity and progress.
“The area called Nigeria was first known as the Niger Area before the Royal Niger Company acquired it,” Burna Boy explained.
“After it was acquired, the Royal Niger Company decided to amalgamate the North and South as against running them as separate entities, and it was at this point that the country Nigeria was birthed.”
Burna Boy’s remarks about Nigeria’s origins reflect a broader critique of the country’s colonial past.
He described the creation of Nigeria as the result of a “bad business enterprise” orchestrated by the British, arguing that the country was never intended to exist as a unified entity.
According to him, Nigeria is “nothing but the collateral damage of a business deal gone south.”
He elaborated on the historical context, noting that the land now known as Nigeria was originally under the control of the Royal Niger Company, a British mercantile company.
The company, interested in exploiting the region’s resources, amalgamated the northern and southern territories without considering the diverse cultures and ethnicities of the people living there.
“When the amalgamation was going to happen, the Niger Company and the British who sold Nigeria didn’t take into consideration those living in the region.
“The two entities that sold and bought the Niger Area saw the people living there as nothing but collateral damage,” Burna Boy stated.
The amalgamation of Nigeria in 1914 by the British remains a contentious issue. Many historians and critics argue that the unification of the northern and southern regions, which had vastly different cultures, religions, and governance systems, laid the foundation for the political and social challenges that Nigeria faces today.
Burna Boy’s comments tap into these historical grievances. He suggested that the amalgamation, driven by economic interests rather than a desire to create a cohesive nation, has had lasting negative impacts.
“We were not even supposed to be Nigerians in the first place. We are the Royal Niger Company. So, we are basically a company for the British to take resources and go for Britain,” he said.
Burna Boy also pointed out that the legacy of colonialism continues to affect Nigeria’s development.
He emphasized that Nigerians are suffering from the consequences of poor governance and external influences that have persisted since the colonial era.
“Somewhere along the line, the company decided to buy the whole place and amalgamate it. So at the end of the day, the people that sold the place and the people that bought the place are the winners.
“While the rest of the people are collateral damage,” he remarked, highlighting the ongoing exploitation and mismanagement that he believes stem from this colonial history.
Burna Boy has often used his platform to shed light on socio-political issues in Nigeria and across Africa. His music frequently addresses themes of injustice, inequality, and the struggles of everyday Nigerians. Songs like “Monsters You Made” and “Collateral Damage” reflect his critical stance on governance and his advocacy for change.
