Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Damini Ogulu, globally known as Burna Boy, has sparked a storm of reflection and debate after declaring that the version of himself known as the African Giant is no more. The revelation came via a cryptic and emotional message posted on the Instagram page of his upcoming album, No Sign of Weakness, on Thursday, May 22, 2025.
In the post, Burna Boy said the character that brought him global fame was “killed” by his own people—an apparent nod to the harsh criticisms and expectations he’s faced, particularly from Nigerians. “The ‘African Giant’ Burna Boy died. His own people killed him,” he wrote, setting off emotional reactions among fans and critics alike.
The artist explained that a new alter ego, Big 7, was born from the ashes of that emotional destruction—a persona meant to shield what remains of his wounded heart. “Burna Boy and Big 7 fight each other a lot because while Big 7 is only protecting the final and only existing piece of Burna Boy’s broken heart, the African Giant still haunts Burna Boy,” he added.
This isn’t the first time Burna Boy has expressed emotional detachment from his roots. Over the past few years, he has hinted at feeling alienated by Nigerian audiences, despite being celebrated worldwide. His recent international acclaim, including headlining Madison Square Garden and being featured on global soundtracks, has often been juxtaposed with criticism back home over his attitude and personal views.
The statement also serves as a powerful teaser for his upcoming album No Sign of Weakness, expected to drop in the coming months. Fans now believe the project will explore themes of identity, pain, betrayal, and rebirth—offering a deeper, perhaps darker, insight into Burna’s inner world.
Reactions have poured in online with hashtags like #BurnaBoy, #AfricanGiantIsDead, and #Big7Rises trending across Twitter, Threads, and Instagram. Some fans are praising the honesty and emotional depth of his transformation, while others are grappling with the weight of being labeled as contributors to his artistic “death.”
Whether or not the African Giant is truly gone, Burna Boy’s latest message proves that behind the fame lies a fractured heart still beating—and that Big 7 may be the artist’s most personal reinvention yet.
