Grammy Award-winning Nigerian artist Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, has opened up about a period in his life when he felt a stronger connection to Jamaica than to Nigeria.

In a recent interview with Capital Xtra in London, Burna Boy shared that during his time studying in Brixton, UK, he was heavily influenced by the Caribbean community that surrounded him. With few Nigerians in his immediate circle, he found himself immersed in Jamaican culture, which made him feel more aligned with the island nation.

“Jamaica has always been close to my heart,” he said. “Growing up, my dad used to play a lot of Super Cat and other Jamaican artists. Later, when I moved to Brixton, most of the people around me were Jamaicans or from other Caribbean backgrounds. At that point, I actually felt more Jamaican.”

He explained that back in Nigeria, he embraced his Nigerian roots, but in the UK, his environment shaped a different cultural identity. He also mentioned that even the few Africans he associated with in the UK were not Nigerian, but from countries like Gambia, Uganda, and Congo.

Burna Boy has often expressed admiration for Jamaica, previously describing it as a second home. He has cited reggae and dancehall as major influences on his music. Notably, he dated British-Jamaican rapper Stefflon Don between 2019 and 2021.