Burna Boy, the renowned Nigerian singer, paid a heartfelt tribute to his grandfather, Benson Idonije, during Idonije’s 90th birthday celebration in Lagos on Sunday.
The Grammy-winning artist took the stage to reflect on the profound impact his grandfather has had on his life and the entire family.
The 34-year-old singer, whose real name is Damini Ogulu, described Idonije not just as a family member, but as a personal hero and the driving force behind many of their achievements.
Thank you to everyone for coming out tonight. We are here to celebrate my granddad on his 90th birthday. This is not an ordinary man. As far as I’m concerned, this is the greatest man in the world, Burna Boy declared in a viral clip from the event.
He is the reason we have all the things we have today. I am forever indebted and grateful to him. It’s a blessing for us to come together and celebrate the greatest man in the world on his 90th birthday—even though, in spirit, I know he’s a bit younger.
Burna Boy also raised a toast in his grandfather’s honor. “This is a toast to the greatest man in the world, my hero, my granddad. I don’t have a glass because I don’t drink anymore, he said. May he live long enough to see our grandchildren.
Benson Idonije is a celebrated music critic, former broadcaster, and one-time manager of Fela Kuti. He was instrumental in founding Radio Nigeria 2, now known as Metro FM, in 1977.
