In a continued display of global dominance, Grammy-winning Nigerian superstar Burna Boy has once again raised the bar for African artists on the international stage.
His blockbuster collaboration with British-Nigerian rapper Dave, the 2019 single Location, has officially been certified 5x Platinum in the United Kingdom.
This massive milestone signifies over 3 million units sold and firmly cements the track as one of the most commercially successful British rap songs in recent years.
“From Lagos to London, this one’s always been special,” Burna Boy said in a celebratory post. “Grateful for the love.
This record was made with heart and realness, and I’m proud it still connects today.”
The track Location originally appeared on Dave’s acclaimed debut album Psychodrama, which went on to win the Mercury Prize and peak at number one in the UK Albums Chart.
The song, driven by a breezy Afro-fusion beat and Burna Boy’s unforgettable hook, quickly became a fan favorite and summer anthem.
For many UK and African music lovers, it symbolized the seamless blend of British rap with Afrobeat swagger.
Dave, in a previous interview, noted, “Having Burna on the track just felt right. We didn’t force it—it was a vibe, and people felt that.”
The song’s longevity and repeat certifications reflect its cultural resonance even five years after its release.
This milestone follows closely on the heels of another impressive achievement for Burna Boy.
His powerful single Alone, which was featured on the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack, has now sold over 500,000 units in the United States, making it eligible for RIAA Gold certification.
According to data released by Chart Data, this marks his sixth RIAA plaque and continues his impressive streak of global recognitions.
The emotionally charged track stood out for its haunting vocals and introspective lyrics that complemented the film’s themes of loss and resilience.
“Alone was not just a song—it was a moment. It carried emotion, and I poured my soul into it,” Burna Boy told Billboard in a past interview.
In terms of streaming numbers, Alone has also proven to be a force. The song has amassed over 164 million streams on Spotify, making it the second most streamed song on the Wakanda Forever album—only trailing behind Rihanna’s Lift Me Up.
This is particularly impressive given the star-studded nature of the project, which featured global icons across genres.
Burna Boy’s consistency on such high-profile collaborations proves not only his versatility but also his ability to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the biggest names in the world.
With these accolades piling up, Burna Boy continues to set records that no other Nigerian artist has matched.
As of now, he remains the only Nigerian artist with three albums that have surpassed 500 million streams on Spotify.
This includes fan favorites like African Giant, Twice As Tall, and Love, Damini. His ability to combine authentic African storytelling with globally appealing production has earned him critical acclaim and commercial success.
“I’m not trying to fit into any box,” Burna has said in the past. “I’m just doing me—and it’s a blessing that the world is listening.”
Looking ahead, the Afro-fusion pioneer is gearing up for what promises to be another landmark year. In 2025, Burna Boy is expected to release his eighth studio album, titled No Sign of Weakness.
True to form, he has already teased fans with a new single, Tatata, featuring American rap icon Travis Scott.
The collaboration merges Burna’s rhythmic Afrobeat energy with Travis’s signature trap sound, creating a sonic experience that has fans buzzing.
“We’re doing something different with this album. No boundaries,” Burna shared during a recent Instagram live session.
With No Sign of Weakness, Burna Boy aims to continue his remarkable Grammy streak—each of his last four albums has earned at least one nomination.
His growing trophy shelf and international presence underline not just his personal evolution, but also the global rise of African music.
From Ye to Last Last, and now Tatata, Burna Boy’s journey represents a new era for African creatives. As he once declared boldly on stage, “I’m not just doing this for me. I’m doing this for Africa.” And clearly, the world is still listening.
