Burna Boy Highlights
OpenLife News reports that Nigerian Grammy-winning singer, Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, has opened up on what he describes as one of the most special creative efforts in his musical journey — the making of his global hit single, ‘Last Last’.
Burna Boy spoke about the creative process during an appearance on the American podcast, Million Dollaz Worth of Game, hosted by Gillie Da King and Wallo267, where he detailed how the idea to sample American R&B legend Toni Braxton’s 2000 hit, ‘He Wasn’t Man Enough’, came to life.
According to the singer, sampling Braxton’s record was an idea he had nursed for a long time before Nigerian producer Chopstix helped bring it to reality.
“It was actually my idea, to be honest. I just always wanted to use that sample and I knew Chopstix could do something crazy with it. I just pointed that out and he took it from there. That’s one of the most special creative processes ever,” Burna Boy said.
He explained that the process stood out for him because it was not just about making a beat, but about reimagining a classic record he had always admired and turning it into something new, emotional and deeply personal.
Released in May 2022, ‘Last Last’ became one of the defining records of Burna Boy’s career.
The song, which explores heartbreak, disappointment and emotional recovery, gained widespread popularity in Nigeria and internationally.
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Its familiar instrumental incorporates elements of Braxton’s ‘He Wasn’t Man Enough’, released in 2000 as part of her third studio album,
The Heat. The original recording became one of the American singer’s recognisable hits, earning her a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 2001.
Burna Boy also revealed during the interview that Braxton receives 60 per cent of the streaming royalties from ‘Last Last’.
“But she is taking 60 per cent of it. I’m not complaining. Hopefully, she even comes out to one of the shows,” he added.
The revelation attracted reactions from music fans, with some expressing surprise at the percentage allocated to Braxton, while others pointed to the financial implications of sampling established recordings in the music industry.
However, Burna Boy later offered further clarification during an appearance on Shopping for Sneakers, explaining that Braxton’s 60 per cent share relates to the song’s streaming royalties rather than its overall earnings.
He also disclosed that ‘Last Last’ had earned him more money than any other song in his career at the time, despite the royalty arrangement — a testament to how far creativity, when done right, can go.
‘Last Last’ serves as the seventh track on Burna Boy’s sixth studio album, Love, Damini, released in July 2022.
The project features 19 tracks, with guest appearances from artists including Ed Sheeran, J Hus, Kehlani and Khalid.
The song also became a commercial success, extending Burna Boy’s international reach and reinforcing Afrobeats’ growing presence in the global music industry — and cementing it as one of the most creative efforts in Burna Boy’s musical journey.
Featured Snippet:
Q: How much does Toni Braxton get from Burna Boy’s ‘Last Last’?
A: Toni Braxton receives 60% of the streaming royalties from Burna Boy’s ‘Last Last’ because the song samples her 2000 hit ‘He Wasn’t Man Enough’.
Q: Who produced Burna Boy’s ‘Last Last’?
A: ‘Last Last’ was produced by Nigerian producer Chopstix. Burna Boy said it was his idea to sample Toni Braxton and Chopstix brought it to life.
Q: What did Burna Boy say about creating ‘Last Last’?
A: Burna Boy said: “That’s one of the most special creative processes ever.” He said he always wanted to use the Toni Braxton sample.
Q: Did ‘Last Last’ make Burna Boy money despite 60% royalties to Toni Braxton?
A: Yes. Burna Boy said ‘Last Last’ earned him more money than any other song in his career at the time, despite Braxton taking 60% of streaming royalties.
Q: What album is ‘Last Last’ on?
A: ‘Last Last’ is the seventh track on Burna Boy’s sixth studio album ‘Love, Damini’, released in July 2022.
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