Afrobeat luminary and self-proclaimed “Giant of African” music, Burna Boy, has unleashed his latest sonic masterpiece in the form of an album titled “I Told Them.”
While the album’s tracklist is already creating ripples of excitement, one particular song is commanding attention like never before. Titled “Thanks,” this track, featuring acclaimed American rapper J. Cole, fearlessly addresses swirling rumours about Burna Boy’s alleged involvement in the Cubana shooting incident.
In the year 2022, Burna Boy found himself under the spotlight of controversy, entangled in rumours that he had allegedly shot a man due to a dispute involving the man’s wife. Rather than immediately clarifying the situation, Burna Boy opted for a cloak of silence, inadvertently allowing the speculations to intensify.
However, a turning point came in January of 2023 during one of his electrifying concerts. Burna Boy, for the first time, confronted the rumours head-on, casting forth a fervent barrage of curses aimed at those who wished him ill fortune, and expressing his commitment to rising above the baseless allegations.
Enter the remarkable collaboration with J. Cole in the song titled “Thanks.” In this musical creation, Burna Boy lays bare his unfiltered emotions. He demands the acknowledgement he genuinely feels he deserves – recognition for elevating his homeland’s esteem on the global stage. Instead of the applause he merits, what has come his way are torrents of unfounded gossip and deceit.
In the song’s powerful lyrics, he vociferates,
Is this the motherfucking thanks I get? Say my mama dance for Fela Say I not get baby mama Say I shoot person for Cubana Because I wan collect person woman Is this the motherfucking thanks I get? For making my people proud Every chance I geeeeet”
The track boldly confronts the rumors and insinuations that have shadowed his reputation, while also echoing his pride in representing his culture on the global platform.
