This year continues to see Burna Boy make history on a multitude of fronts.

Because a mere matter of weeks after becoming the first African artist to headline a stadium show in the UK, the superstar has made history on the Official UK Album Chart with his new LP ‘I Told Them…’

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Led by single ‘Sittin’ On Top Of The World (ft. 21 Savage),’ the project – which features the likes of J. Cole, Dave, and RZA – has seen Burna become the first-ever international Afrobeats act to secure a UK #1 album.

It’s been quite the journey for Burna Boy, whose previous UK Album Chart trajectory is: 2019’s ‘African Giant’ (#19), 2020’s ‘Twice As Tall’ (#11), and 2022’s ‘Love, Damini’ (#2).

Martin Talbot, Chief Executive, Official Charts said in a statement:

“What a fantastic achievement it is by Burna Boy to become the first international artist to take Afrobeats to the top of the UK’s Official Albums Chart. British music fans have always been renowned for their love of new music and embracing cultures from around the world, and the explosion of interest in Afrobeats’ musical culture over the past decade has been a concrete example of this.

It has been fantastic to see Burna Boy blazing the trail as part of this – and this week reaching the absolute pinnacle. Congratulations to Burna Boy!”

Congratulating Burna on his success, Faron McKenzie, Head of BBC Radio 1Xtra added:

“Huge congratulations to Burna Boy. It has been a phenomenal year for Afrobeats and I am so proud that BBC 1Xtra are a part of this global movement as the home of the UK’s Official Afrobeats Chart Show with Eddie Kadi.

Our commitment is to showcase Afrobeats’ diverse talent and give its artists a dedicated platform for national exposure. I’m excited for another year of new music, celebrating the sound and culture’s global influence, with 1Xtra as a driving force in the UK.”

Congrats!

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