Grammy Award-winning Nigerian superstar Burna Boy has stirred fresh debate in the Afrobeats scene after claiming that he writes all of his own songs without help from songwriters.
Speaking during a Thursday Twitch livestream with popular streamer Plaqueboymax, the “City Boys” crooner stated that his music is a personal reflection of his life and emotions — not the product of ghostwriters.
“I’ve never used songwriters. Music is my truth; it’s my story,” Burna Boy said, contrasting his approach with the songwriting culture he observed while recording in Los Angeles.
He went on to criticize what he described as the growing trend of outsourced songwriting among Nigerian artists, suggesting that authenticity is being lost in the chase for commercial hits.
Burna Boy’s comments have since reignited conversations on social media, with fans revisiting past ghostwriting allegations involving artists such as Ceeza Milli, Yonda, and Peruzzi, who once claimed to have contributed to Burna’s hit singles like On the Low, Dangote, and Pull Up.
Although Burna Boy previously admitted in a 2020 interview that Peruzzi assisted with one track, he has consistently maintained that his music remains a pure reflection of his artistry — written entirely by him.
The debate highlights an ongoing divide within the Afrobeats community between artists who embrace collaboration and those who pride themselves on lyrical independence.
VIDEO: Burna Boy insists he writes songs, rejects use of songwriters
Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Burna Boy has sparked renewed debate about songwriting in Afrobeats after declaring that he writes all his songs.
Speaking during a Thursday Twitch livestream with Plaqueboymax,… pic.twitter.com/qM5VJLi81o
— The Nation Nigeria (@TheNationNews) October 31, 2025
