Nigerian Grammy winner, Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, electrified the Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul with a riveting performance at the UEFA Champions League final kick-off show by Pepsi.
The “Last, Last” hitmaker was named the official headliner of the Champions League final between Inter Milan and Manchester City at the 74, 000-capacity Atatürk Olympic Stadium. He confirmed it in a video he posted and teased the audience that he was going to perform his hit songs on stage. The leading Afrobeats artiste becomes the first Nigerian to perform at the Champions League final.
The African – international artiste popular for his refreshing Afro-fusion songs thrilled fans around the world on June 3 when he set the record as the only African to headline a concert with an 80,000-capacity stadium in the UK full to the brim. He has been the torchbearer for Afrobeats, as he has sold out theaters and large stadiums around the world.
The honors include the MTV Africa Music Award for Video of the Year with his song “Run My Race” in 2014, the MTV Africa Music Award for Best Collaboration with “All Eyes On Me” in 2015, the MTV Europe Music Award for Best African Act in 2019, the Headies Award for Artist of the Year 2019, the Future Awards Africa Prize For Music 2019, the Headies Award for Best Collaboration with his song “Killin’ Dem’ featuring Zlatan in 2019, and the Future Awards Africa Prize For Young The Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album with his album “Twice As Tall” in 2021, the Edison Jazz/World Award with his album “African Giant” in 2019, and the Headies Award for Song of the Year with “Ye” in 2020.
The 74,753-capacity Atatürk Olympic Stadium, in Istanbul couldn’t receive fans for the May 30, 2020 Champions League final between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain due to the coronavirus pandemic that has swallowed the world.
Now in its seventh year, the UEFA Champions League Final Kick-Off Show by Pepsi®, formerly known as the UEFA Champions League Opening Ceremony, unites music, sport, and culture through a show-stopping performance. This year’s other co-headliner will be announced soon.
Guy-Laurent Epstein, UEFA marketing director, said: “The UEFA Champions League Final Kick-Off Show is a significant part of our joint efforts with Pepsi, providing an incredible opportunity to reach new and younger audiences with some of the biggest names and rising stars in music. We’re excited to showcase a line-up of talented artists at this season’s final in Istanbul in what is sure to be an energetic and memorable performance.” -(UEFA)