Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Burna Boy has opened up about his decision to convert from Christianity to Islam, describing it as part of a personal search for peace and a deeper understanding of life.
Speaking during a recent livestream conversation with U.S. streamer PlaqueBoyMax, the singer said his spiritual journey has taken him through different beliefs, from Christianity, in which he was raised, to Islam, which he says now gives him a sense of calm.
“I grew up as a Christian, but I later converted to Islam,” he said. “It’s like I’ve studied it all, but I’m still out here trying to find out what’s really going on.”
A Personal Turning Point
Burna Boy, whose real name is Damini Ogulu, said his decision was not about rejecting one religion for another, but about seeking a spiritual connection that feels genuine. He said prayer and reflection have become a bigger part of his life as he gets older.
“When I pray, I feel like I’m being heard,” he explained. “All I know is that there’s something up there protecting me, that’s the truth for me.”
The artist also shared that his travels and exposure to different cultures changed the way he thinks about faith and religion. “The more I’ve seen of the world, the more I realised that everyone is just trying to make sense of the same mystery,” he said.
Questioning Organised Religion
In the same conversation, Burna Boy spoke openly about his mixed feelings toward organised religion, calling it “a control mechanism” that sometimes divides people. He said his focus now is not on belonging to a label but on understanding the truth for himself.
“I’m trying to be above belief,” he said. “I’m trying to know, because you don’t need to believe if you know.”
His comments have drawn wide reactions online, with many fans expressing admiration for his honesty, while others debated the meaning of his words.
Faith Reflected in His Music
Burna Boy’s music has always carried spiritual and philosophical undertones. Songs like “Destiny” and “Spiritual” touch on fate, faith, and the unseen forces that guide his life. His latest reflections suggest that this ongoing journey of self-discovery could continue to shape his creative direction.
Cultural analysts note that Burna Boy’s willingness to speak openly about faith, a sensitive topic in Nigeria which shows his authenticity and growing maturity.
“For Burna, faith seems to be part of his evolution as an artist and a person,” said Lagos-based culture critic Femi Adigun. “He’s not preaching; he’s just being honest about where he is.”
A Journey, Not a Destination
While Burna Boy identifies with Islam, he also made it clear that he’s still learning and searching. His comments suggest a spiritual openness rather than a fixed position.
“I’m not saying I have all the answers,” he said. “I just know that peace is real when you find it and I think I’m beginning to feel that peace.”
For an artist whose career has been built on authenticity and self-expression, Burna Boy’s words offer a glimpse into the person behind the global fame, one still seeking truth, balance, and purpose beyond the stage.
