In June, 2012, Damini Ogulu a.k.a Burna Boy released a relaxed but still groovy tune, Like to Party and that was the beginning of the colossal success he has recorded so far and it is evident he and his team understand the art of music making judging from how good his debut album; Leaving an Impact for Eternity, is. The album is a collection of party tunes and socially conscious music that employs the use of Ragga, Dance-hall, Afrobeats and Pop with Leriq due for a standing ovation for solely producing the album.
Burna sets out to play a good host as he starts with My Life, which features an insert from his grandfather, Benson Idonije, who managed Fela Anikulapo –Kuti’s career at some point and ends with Remember Me, a song where Burna exploits his vocal strength in telling us that he wants us to see the smiley face but not the struggles beneath, reiterating his goal of leaving his mark, making this song an instant classic.
In between, Says So is Burna urging all to come together and gyrate because he says so. A high of this song is the saxophone interlude and it leads into Abeg Abeg, which features Tuface and Timaya, both bringing great contributions, thus another great track, then Roses, which is not a stellar song per se but holds one of the most important messages in the album; Love amongst all.
Yawa Dey, is the galala dance inducing track which is based upon a ragga inspired production and a lead in to Ma Loada Ma Lotto which has got Leriq’s production making up for the not up to par lyrics , then the feel good Tonight which would get you moving but not wildly, as the same goes for Like to Party. Jah’s Love features an inferior delivery from Wizkid but yet again, an important message as the same judgment applies to Don’t Run which features Olamide and Reminisce.
Wombolombo Something features Angelique Kidjo’s chant of Wombolombo, from her song, Wombo Lombo and is a bonus track.
Is Burna Boy’s debut album a great effort, I answer in the affirmative and as someone already pointed out; a possible Album of the Year nomination.