Bose Ogulu, the mother and manager of Grammy-winning singer Burna Boy, is celebrating her 35th wedding anniversary with her husband, Samuel Ogulu.
Affectionately known as “Mama Burna,” Ogulu posted a mix of throwback and recent photos of the couple on Instagram to mark the occasion. Her post included pictures from their wedding day and early years of marriage, as well as more current snapshots.
In the caption, she reflected on their journey, describing their marriage as a “roller coaster ride” and expressing gratitude for their family. “Thanking God for 35 years since we each said ‘I do’ & ’till death do us part,'” she wrote. “Thanking God for the journey, the roller coaster ride & the joy of watching the 3 musketeers we have been appointed caretakers of. Happy Anniversary to us.”
The couple has three children: Burna Boy (Damini Ogulu), singer and mechanical engineer Nissi, and fashion entrepreneur Ronami. Bose Ogulu is a well-known figure in the Nigerian music industry, credited with playing a key role in her son’s global success. She has often garnered attention for her memorable speeches at award shows and her influential presence as his manager.
Rumours About Burna Boy Being Fela’s Bastard Son
Looking at this from an angle of an Amebo, we cannot help but bring out the fact that there had been rumours flying around that Burna Boy may be the bastard son of Afro Beat founder and Nigerian music legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti. This is due partly to the fact that Burna Boy strongly draws inspiration from the lyrics and melodies of the Afro Beats icon.
Burna Boy’s connection to the Kuti family is through his maternal grandfather, Benson Idonije. Idonije was a well-known music critic and Fela’s first band manager. This connection likely explains the significant Afrobeat influence in Burna Boy’s music and the public perception of a deeper link between the two artists.
Many believe that the young Bose Ogulu, then Idonije, must have had contact with the eccentric music legend, later becoming his dancer and getting intimate with him.
Fela’s Eccentric Lifestyle With Women
Fela is known to be very receptive to women and this was further amplified in his notorious marriage to his 27 wives 1976. He married them on the anniversary of the Nigerian military’s attack on his compound, the Kalakuta Republic, in 1977.
The women Fela married were his dancers and singers, many of whom had been displaced during the brutal raid. By marrying them, Fela intended to legitimize their status and protect them from authorities who had previously accused him of kidnapping women. The marriage also served as a bold defiance of conventional norms and the government he so often criticized in his music.
In 1986, Fela divorced all 27 wives simultaneously, stating that marriage created jealousy. However, many of the women continued to live and work with him.
Debunks To The Burna Boy – Fela Rumour
Burna Boy’s mother, Bose Ogulu, has also denied rumors that she was ever a dancer for Fela, having close enough contact to be intimate with him .
In addition, a comparison of their timelines and family history provides clarity on the matter. Burna Boy, whose birth name is Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, was born on July 2, 1991. Fela Anikulapo Kuti died on August 2, 1997. The six-year gap between Burna Boy’s birth and Fela’s death makes it chronologically impossible for Fela to be his father.
Burna Boy’s Father’s Reaction And Presence
The rumors about Burna Boy’s paternity have persisted despite the facts. His father, Samuel Ogulu, a manager of a welding business, has largely stayed out of the public eye. However, he has been seen publicly showing support for his son, including attending a UEFA Champions League final performance where he expressed immense pride in Burna Boy’s accomplishments.
Burna Boy’s sister, Nissi, is also a creative in her own right. A singer, songwriter, and engineer, she has released her own music and founded an animation studio. She was also part of the design team for a Range Rover model.
Nissi Ogulu was a key member of the engineering and design team for the 2022 Range Rover. She confirmed her involvement in the project, which took three years to complete. This came to light when the redesigned model was unveiled in October 2021. Her work on the car, as part of the Jaguar Land Rover team, received public praise from her brother, Burna Boy. It also highlighted her multifaceted talents as an engineer, artist, and entrepreneur.
Mama Burna’s Heavy Presence In Her Children’s Lives
Burna Boy’s mother, Bose Ogulu, has been a central figure in her children’s careers. Known as “Mama Burna,” she manages both Burna Boy and Nissi’s careers. She has received several awards for her work, including “Manager of the Year” at the Artist & Manager Awards in London.
Some have argued that her direct influence and public presence in her children’s professional lives have at times overshadowed them. This has led many to belief that she should step back from the spotlight and allow them to manage their own careers.
Final Words On The Burna Boy’s Mum’s Saga
Bose Ogulu’s influence and management style, though sometimes debated, have been instrumental in their success. This influence solidifies the Ogulu family as a formidable force in the entertainment and creative industries. We at Trickle Media raise our glass to another 35 years of bliss for the Ogulu family! Cheers!
