Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, further cements his status as a major force in modern music with the release of his eighth studio album, No Sign of Weakness. Burna Boy, who is well-known for pushing the limits of Afro-fusion, creates a self-assured, ambitious work that combines many sonic inspirations with contemplation.
His continuous development as an artist who isn’t scared to try new things is evident in the 16-track album. Without sacrificing the unadulterated intensity that fans have come to anticipate, No Sign of Weakness blends elements of Afrobeat, rock, hip-hop, soul, and dancehall to provide both anthemic highs and contemplative pauses.
“No Sign of Weakness is Burna Boy’s most ambitious project yet”, “The album’s sound is a testament to Burna Boy’s innovative approach to music, pushing the boundaries of Afrobeat and inspiring a new generation of artists.” his team said in a press release
American rapper Travis Scott is one of the standout collaborators on the upbeat song “TaTaTa,” which adds a trap-infused intensity to the mix. On the poignant song “Empty Chairs,” British rock icon Mick Jagger makes an appearance, adding a dramatic contrast of classic rock to Burna Boy’s distinctive sound.
Nigerian-American singer Shaboozey gives a mellow and reflective performance on “Change Your Mind,” while Belgian musician Stromae joins for “Pardon,” a thought-provoking song that focuses on topics of societal injustice.
“TaTaTa” has reached the top of multiple international charts. It peaked at number two on the UK Afrobeats and U.S. Afrobeats Songs (Billboard) charts, and it also peaked at number five in Nigeria and New Zealand. The song also charted in Switzerland, the UK Singles Chart, and the UK Hip Hop/R&B Chart.
Social media users have responded to Burna Boy’s No Sign of Weakness with a mix of positive and negative comments, especially on X (formerly Twitter).
The album’s quality and diversity were praised by some users. Here are some prominent positive reviews;
On the flip side, as with every work of art, No Sign of Weakness also got its fair share of negative reviews. Some of them are highlighted below;
Burna Boy is starting a North American tour in conjunction with the album’s release, and the show will include a specially created configuration meant to produce an immersive live experience.
No Sign of Weakness is available across all major streaming platforms.
