Forbes Africa Names Burna Boy Among 15 Icons Taking Africa to the World

Grammy-winning Nigerian star Burna Boy has been named among the 15 African Icons featured by Forbes Africa in a special issue marking the magazine’s 15th anniversary.

The selection, called “The Icons,” appears in the October–November 2026 issue, published on October 9. It celebrates people whose work and ideas have helped shape the continent, across culture, business, sport, literature and public life.

Burna Boy, whose real name is Damini Ogulu, was recognised for helping to take African music and culture to audiences around the world. Forbes said his success has strengthened Africa’s cultural presence internationally.

He appears alongside Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote, World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and media entrepreneur Mo Abudu, founder of EbonyLife Group. Other names reported on the list include Patrice Motsepe, Didier Drogba, Lupita Nyong’o, Trevor Noah and Angélique Kidjo.

The honour comes as the singer is also in the news for a school and clinic he reportedly funded in Rivers State, which he shared on Instagram. He has built his career blending Afrobeats, dancehall, reggae and hip-hop.

Sources: Voice of Nigeria, Blueprint, Prompt News and Kemi Filani News, October 10 and 11, 2026.