Canadian Senate Commends Burna Boy and Nollywood for Global Impact
The Canadian Senate recently turned its attention to Nigeria’s vibrant music and film industries, acknowledging the remarkable achievements of Afrobeats sensation Burna Boy and the burgeoning success of Nollywood on the global stage.
During discussions in the North American country’s Senate, Marcel Lebleu, Director General of the West and Central African Bureau at Global Affairs Canada, highlighted Burna Boy’s significant contributions to the music landscape. Lebleu specifically praised the Grammy-winning artist for his unprecedented success as a touring performer, citing his historic back-to-back sold-out concerts at The Bell Centre in Montreal, where he became the first African artist to achieve this feat.
Reflecting on Burna Boy’s remarkable achievement, Lebleu remarked, “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.”
In addition to celebrating Burna Boy’s triumphs, Senator Peter Boehm, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, shared his admiration for the acclaimed artist, revealing his enjoyment of Burna Boy’s music. Boehm, who confirmed his status as a devoted fan on his verified X handle, expressed his fondness for Burna Boy’s album “Twice as Tall” (2020), underscoring the global appeal of Nigerian music.
The Senate’s acknowledgment of Burna Boy’s achievements and the significance of Nollywood serves as a testament to the growing influence of Nigerian culture on the international stage. As artists like Burna Boy continue to captivate audiences worldwide and Nollywood productions garner acclaim, Nigeria’s cultural exports are poised to make an indelible mark on the global entertainment landscape.
