Burna Boy’s Outside Album Streams Jump 200% After Viral International Recognition

Nigerian music superstar, Burna Boy witnessed a major career milestone when his 2018 album Outside experienced a dramatic 200% increase in streaming numbers following unexpected global exposure.

The album, which had already been gathering momentum locally, received an international boost after a prominent personality or influencer came across it, praised the music, and shared it with their wide-reaching audience.

The ripple effect was immediate and substantial, pushing Outside to new heights on global streaming platforms. Listeners from around the world began to tune in, captivated by Burna Boy’s unique blend of Afro-fusion, dancehall, reggae, and hip-hop influences.

Burna Boy, moved by the overwhelming response and newfound international attention, personally extended his gratitude to the individual responsible for the viral push.

The impact was so significant that his mother and manager, Bose Ogulu fondly known as “Mama Burna” referenced the moment during her speech at the 2018 Soundcity MVP Awards.

She emphasized how the spontaneous discovery and embrace of Burna’s music by a foreign audience helped open doors that had long remained closed to African artists on the global scene.

Released in January 2018, Outside featured standout tracks such as “Ye,” which would later become an anthem and a breakthrough hit for Burna Boy, especially after confusion with Kanye West’s similarly titled album brought even more traffic to the Nigerian artist’s song.

The 200% surge in streams not only validated Burna Boy’s international appeal but also cemented Outside as the project that laid the foundation for his later global successes, including sold-out shows abroad, collaborations with international stars, and ultimately, a Grammy win. It marked the beginning of Burna Boy’s journey from local sensation to a defining voice in global music.