Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Burna Boy and the Nigerian film industry, Nollywood, were recently a topic of discussion in the Canadian Senate. The Senate recognized the remarkable growth and global expansion of the Nigerian music and movie industries, acknowledging their significant cultural impact.
During the discussion, Marcel Lebleu, the Director General of the West and Central African Bureau at Global Affairs Canada, specifically commended Burna Boy for his outstanding achievements as a touring artist. Lebleu highlighted the Grammy-winning artist’s exceptional success in selling out the prestigious venue, The Bell Centre, in Montreal back-to-back, making him the first African artist to achieve this feat.
Lebleu expressed his admiration, stating, “I don’t know if you know Burna Boy. He is an Afrobeats singer. He was in Montreal three weeks ago, sold out The Bell Centre twice. That’s about 35,000 people. He was also in Toronto. We don’t think about the culture industry a lot, but this is an important industry. For example, Nollywood.”
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Senator Peter Boehm, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, also joined the discussion and revealed his appreciation for Burna Boy’s music. In a viral video, Boehm confirmed his status as a devoted fan of the Nigerian artist and shared his enjoyment of Burna Boy’s album “Twice as Tall” (2020), which remains a prominent feature on his playlist.
The Canadian Senate’s recognition of Burna Boy’s achievements and the acknowledgment of Nollywood’s impact reflect the growing influence and success of Nigerian music and movies on the international stage. This discussion emphasizes the cultural significance and the expanding global reach of Nigerian entertainment.
The commendation from the Canadian Senate serves as a testament to the talent and creativity emerging from Nigeria’s entertainment industry, showcasing its ability to captivate audiences worldwide and foster cross-cultural connections. As Nigerian music and movies continue to gain prominence on the global scene, they contribute to the recognition and appreciation of African cultural expressions on an international scale.
