BURNA BOY'S OUTSIDE ALBUM REVIEW

Album Review

By Solomon Obi

Name of Musician: Burna Boy

Name of Album: Outside

Genre of Music: Afrofusion, Dancehall, Hip hop and R & B

Label: Bad Habit, On A Spaceship and Atlantic Records

Release Date: 26 January, 2018

Initial Response: Burna Boy is here again with fresh dishes from his ever flowing kitchen and we are wondering if heaven’s gate has indeed opened for him, after knocking on it for quite some time now. This album indeed speaks for itself being his second to feature on the Billboard. I must confess that Burna Boy took time to look inwards to bring something new. At first trial the album spoke to me I felt good, it’s truly dynamic.

What I know about Burna Boy: His real name is Damini Ogulu, aka Burna Boy is a Nigerian Reggae-Dancehall Singer and Songwriter. He was born in Lagos State.

How long has he been in the music scene: Burna Boy has been in the music since 2010, on 31 May, 2012 he released a single titled “Like to Party” which saw his rise to prominence.

What’s his Background: He was born on 2 July 1991 to Mr. Samuel and Mrs. Bose Ogulu. Burna Boy grew up in Ahoada, Rivers State and later relocated to Lagos State. He attended Montessori International School and later attended Corona, Agbara for his secondary school in Lagos State, Nigeria.

Overall theme of the Album: Sober Reflection

How do I describe it: Burna Boy let’s out his heart to us, he shares his pain, angry, challenges, humble beginnings, his roots and inmate feelings. He highlights some issues he encounters in his daily activities; he tries to reach out to us with messages embedded in musical coatings. This is an engaging album.

The lyrics: They are deep and you to take your time to harness them, in order to get the messages behind them, a few could be understood at a glance.

Here are few examples
Heaven’s Gate
“Anyway
I thought you was a G but you’re a green snake
I swear down you can’t come around my estate
And ah gwarn like say you bad and brave
Because where me come from man are moving bait
An they got the whole block ducking jakes
So if none of you man gimme space
I’ll show you ‘bout knocking on
Heaven’s Gate(Heaven’s Gate)”

Tracks that stand out: Heaven’s Gate, Outside, Giddem, Ph City Vibration, Sekkle Down, Street of Africa and Devil in California

Tracks that don’t: Well it is hard to say because all the tracks on this album are dope and each have a unique story to tell. Well as for me, I will say none.

Why: They all carry deep rooted messages about his life, struggles, his roots and matters that affect him as an individual and as a member of the society.

How does this album compare to others in this genre: This album I must say is one of a kind, it is dynamic and I am happy Burna Boy did a good job on this joint. It is pretty dope.

My overall ratings and why: I will give this album seven over ten, the lyrics as I have said before were deeply rooted, Burna Boy’s philosophies and ideologies are reflected in them, the choice of producers are very thoughtful, the artistic delivery were way above average and musical taste on this album is very versatile and unique. He really took time to express himself in other genres of music, great job Burna Boy and I should say this, you have proved to us all that you are still in the game and a force to reckon with.