“If you don’t know, I’m from Boston now, because Boston is the first place to show me the kind of love that I have never seen from any city,” Burna Boy said to the crowd of over 100 students, most of whom were seniors. “I intend to give that love back 100-fold.”
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Burna Boy briefly addressed the students, and announced that he planned to sponsor BAA’s community bodega, a free, donation-based store within BAA that launched in November as a way to manage food insecurity among students. This is not Burna Boy’s only initiative to fight food insecurity; he is also a partner with Reach Every Available Communal Household (R.E.A.C.H.) Nigeria, a nonprofit that distributes food and hygiene products to vulnerable populations in Burna Boy’s home country.
“Talent is evenly distributed, but opportunity is not,” he told the crowd at BAA. “So I’ve taken it upon myself to, you know, do as much as I can to make sure we all get to where we need to be.”
Nigerian musician Burna Boy (center) poses for a selfie with Edily Perez (left) and James Brice (right), members of the Boston Arts Academy who helped open the bodega and organize Burna Boy’s appearance at Boston Arts Academy.Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff
“It’s important for students not to feel insecure asking for help,” said Edily Perez, 17, a senior at BAA and president of BAA’s student government. She and BAA’s student government facilitated the opening of the bodega.
Perez called herself a huge fan of Burna Boy’s music. As a 13-time Grammy nominee, and one-time Grammy winner for his 2020 album “Twice As Tall,” Burna Boy is one of the most globally-recognized artists from Nigeria. His most recent album, “No Sign of Weakness,” and his song “Love” have been nominated at the 2026 Grammy Awards.
“With an international star’s support, people might feel comfortable asking for what they need,” Perez said.
Burna Boy also gave students 20 free tickets to his TD Garden show, took pictures with BAA staff and students, and restocked some items in the bodega.
Roxbury-based DJ duo SuperSmashBroz and Boston City Council president Ruthzee Louijeune facilitated the school visit.
“Burna Boy means a lot to the Nigerian community — and the Black community — in Boston,” said Louijeune. She will attend Wednesday’s concert, and noted that it will be her fourth time seeing Burna Boy perform.
According to Louijeune, Massachusetts has one of the largest Nigerian populations in the country, and the UMass Donahue Institute estimates that there are approximately 14,300 people from Nigeria living in the state.
But Burna Boy and his music represents more than just one country, Louijeune said.
“There is a diverse Black population at [Burna Boy’s] concerts,” she said. Louijeune recalled fans touting flags from Nigeria, Ghana, Haiti, and more at Burna Boy’s 2024 Boston concert, noting how the crowd felt unified by African heritage and Burna Boy’s music.
“It’s beautiful to see yourself reflected in Burna Boy,” she added.
Nigerian musician Burna Boy (right) embraces Boston City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune as he arrives to speak to students.Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff
After his appearance at the BAA, Burna Boy sat courtside for the Celtics’ win against the Knicks Tuesday night.
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