It’s been seven years since Burna Boy released Outside, an album that marked a significant turning point in his career and solidified his place as a global Afro-fusion superstar. As fans celebrate this milestone, many are asking: Is Outside Burna Boy’s most important album?
Released on January 26, 2018, Outside was a bold and eclectic project that showcased Burna Boy’s unique ability to blend Afrobeat, reggae, dancehall, and hip-hop. The album arrived at a crucial moment when Afrobeat was gaining international attention but had yet to achieve the global dominance it enjoys today. For Burna Boy, Outside became the vehicle that launched him from a Nigerian star to an artist with a global audience.
The album’s breakout single, Ye, became an instant classic and a cultural phenomenon. The song’s infectious rhythm, introspective lyrics, and Burna Boy’s charismatic delivery struck a chord with listeners worldwide. It not only topped charts in Nigeria but also resonated with a diaspora audience and beyond, earning praise from international music critics. The unexpected confusion with Kanye West’s album of the same name further boosted Ye’s visibility, introducing Burna Boy to an entirely new audience.
Outside also featured other standout tracks like Heaven’s Gate, a dynamic collaboration with British singer Lily Allen, and Sekkle Down, featuring J Hus. The album’s diversity of sound and Burna Boy’s genre-defying approach highlighted his versatility and creativity, setting him apart from his contemporaries.
Critically, Outside was lauded for its boldness and authenticity. It was the project that allowed Burna Boy to fully embrace his identity as a global African artist, unapologetically blending languages, cultures, and sounds. This authenticity became a hallmark of his artistry and would pave the way for subsequent albums like African Giant and Twice as Tall, both of which earned Grammy nominations, with the latter winning the coveted award in 2021.
While Outside might not be Burna Boy’s most commercially successful album, its significance lies in its role as a catalyst for his international breakthrough. It was the album that laid the foundation for his evolution as an artist and positioned him as a cultural ambassador for Afrobeat on the global stage.
Looking back, Outside holds a special place in Burna Boy’s discography, not just for its undeniable hits but for its impact on his career trajectory and the Afrobeat movement. It’s an album that represents a moment of transformation—not just for Burna Boy but for Nigerian music as a whole, as it began to capture the attention of a global audience in a way it never had before.
As Burna Boy continues to break records, headline festivals, and redefine what it means to be an African artist, Outside remains a testament to his vision, talent, and the power of staying true to one’s roots. For many fans, it will always be more than just an album; it’s the moment the world began to truly take notice of the African Giant.