He rose to prominence in 2012 after releasing the lead single "Like to Party" from his debut studio album, L.I.F.E (2013). In 2017, Burna Boy signed with Bad Habit/Atlantic Records in the United States and Warner Music Group internationally. His third studio album Outside (2018) marked his major-label debut. In 2019, he won Best International Act at the 2019 BET Awards
Damini Ogulu was born in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.[5] His father managed a welding company and his mother worked as a translator. Benson Idonije is his grandfather.[6] Ogulu grew up in southern Nigeria
Burna Boy's fourth studio album African Giant was released on July 26, 2019. It has been supported by six singles: "Gbona", "On the Low", Killin Dem", "Dangote", "Anybody" and "Pull Up". He began recording the album in 2018. He told Billboard magazine that the album is his most personal yet. He first revealed plans to release the album in April 2019, and held a private listening session in Los Angeles. Photos and videos from the listening session were shared on social media. African Giant was initially announced as a 16-track album.
In order to promote the album, Burna Boy will headline the African Giant Returns tour, the second leg of his African Giant tour
Smooth Sailing
Burna Boy Lyrics
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Me still representing A to the R representing
Hear me now hear me now
Say boy I do what I do
And them you never call me back
Said the pussy never call me back
Feeling for what we do but when the carny drops
Nobody never did it when I done
Listen to me no one told me something magical
Something is wrong and the fact is bring me down
I found a microphone and I went professional
This is my profession, oh
Rocking with the kids and I send em by the pound
I got to runaway when the cops come around
Enemy turf, you better turn around
The opening lyrics of Burna Boy's song Smooth Sailing hint at the artist's frustration with the music industry. Burna Boy emphasizes his commitment to his craft while describing the lack of support he receives from his peers. The artist speaks to the sense of isolation and loneliness he experiences in his work, describing the industry as "enemy turf" where he must always be on guard. Despite the challenges, Burna Boy remains committed to his profession as he feels it is something "magical" that he was born to do.
The song's chorus is an anthem to the artist's perseverance despite adversities. Burna Boy calls for listeners to "hear him now" as he represents "A to the R." This likely references his talent management company Aristokrat Records, who played a significant role in the artist's rise to fame. Burna Boy reinforces his commitment to his craft, noting that "nobody ever did it when I done." He speaks to his desire to inspire others, to "rock with the kids and send em by the pound," while also recognizing the need to protect himself in a hostile environment.
Smooth Sailing's lyrics are ultimately a testament to Burna Boy's resilience and determination. Through his music, he expresses the pain and joys of being an artist but ultimately acknowledges his purpose and the magic of his profession.
Line by Line Meaning
They call me burna boy hear me now
I am Burna Boy, and I demand your attention and respect right now.
Me still representing A to the R representing
I am still representing my roots and where I come from (Africa), and I demand that you show me the same respect.
Say boy I do what I do
I do what I do without apology or explanation.
And them you never call me back
Even when I reach out to people, they don't respond or acknowledge me.
Said the pussy never call me back
Even those who claim to be tough or strong are afraid to respond to me.
Feeling for what we do but when the carny drops
Although we have passion for what we do, we sometimes lose hope or motivation when faced with setbacks.
Sitting in them carny drops
We can get lost in our thoughts or struggles and forget about everything else around us.
Nobody never did it when I done
I paved my own way and achieved success without anyone's support or help.
Listen to me no one told me something magical
No one gave me a secret or special advice to achieve my success; I just did it on my own.
Something is wrong and the fact is bring me down
When we face challenges or struggles, it can be difficult to remain positive or motivated.
I found a microphone and I went professional
Music was my talent and passion, and I turned it into a successful career.
This is my profession, oh
Music is not just a hobby or passion for me, it is my full-time job and career.
Rocking with the kids and I send em by the pound
I connect with my fans through my music, and they support me in return.
I got to runaway when the cops come around
I have had to make sacrifices and face challenges in order to achieve my success and protect my safety.
Enemy turf, you better turn around
I am not afraid to face opposition or obstacles, but others might not have the same courage or determination as me.
Contributed by London J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.