In an exclusive interview, Timaya shared an anecdote from the early days of Burna Boy’s rise to prominence, recalling how Waje and Omawumi had expressed skepticism about Burna Boy’s potential. According to Timaya, during a studio session, Burna Boy’s confidence was put to the test when the two seasoned vocalists questioned his musical direction and viability in the competitive Nigerian music scene.
Timaya said, “At that point, Burna was just starting to find his sound. Waje and Omawumi were in the studio, and they were not exactly sold on his talent. They were concerned about the direction he was going with his music. But Burna being Burna, he wasn’t having any of it.”
The clash escalated quickly, with Burna Boy reportedly telling the duo to leave the studio if they weren’t supportive of his vision. “He told them flat-out that if they couldn’t see his vision, they should leave. And they did. He wasn’t rude, but he was very firm. He wasn’t going to let anyone stand in the way of his dream,” Timaya recounted.
The incident, which took place several years ago, highlights Burna Boy’s unwavering belief in his talent and his readiness to challenge authority and conventional wisdom to carve his own path. It’s a testament to the self-confidence that would later propel him to global stardom.
Although Waje and Omawumi have both acknowledged Burna Boy’s success in the years since, the moment remains a notable part of the Nigerian music industry’s history, illustrating the fierce determination required to break through in a highly competitive field.
For Burna Boy, the controversial episode served as a turning point, further solidifying his commitment to his unique Afro-fusion sound. Today, with multiple chart-topping hits, Grammy awards, and international acclaim, it’s clear that Burna Boy’s vision, as contentious as it might have seemed at the time, was indeed ahead of its time.
Both Waje and Omawumi have yet to comment on Timaya’s recounting of the event, but sources close to the singers suggest that while the tension was real, there has always been mutual respect between the artists.
source: lifestyle.thecable.ng