Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Burna Boy has paid a heartfelt tribute to his grandfather, Benson Idonije, during the veteran broadcaster’s 90th birthday celebration in Lagos.
Speaking at the event on Sunday, Burna Boy reflected on the immense impact Idonije has had on his life and the entire family, describing him as his greatest inspiration and a key figure behind their success.
Addressing guests at the celebration, the singer expressed gratitude to everyone who came to honour his grandfather, whom he described as an extraordinary man.
“Thank you to everyone for coming out tonight. We are here to celebrate my granddad on his 90th birthday. This is not an ordinary man. This is the greatest man in the world as far as I am concerned,” he said.
Burna Boy credited his grandfather for laying the foundation that has enabled the family to achieve many of its accomplishments.
“And he is the reason we have all of the things we have today. I am forever indebted and grateful to him. This is a win for us to come together and celebrate the greatest man in the world today on his 90th birthday even though I know he is a bit younger,” he added.
The Afrobeats star later led a toast in honour of Idonije, whom he referred to as his hero.
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“This is a toast to the greatest man in the world, my hero, my granddad. I don’t have a glass cause I don’t drink anymore,” he said.
“May he live long to see our grandchildren.”
Idonije is widely respected in Nigeria’s entertainment and broadcasting circles. He is known as a veteran music critic, broadcaster, and former manager of the late Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti. He also played a significant role in the establishment of Radio Nigeria 2, now known as Metro FM, in 1977.
The touching tribute has since attracted admiration from fans, who praised Burna Boy for publicly celebrating his grandfather’s legacy and contributions to Nigerian music and broadcasting.