Burna Boy Laughs Off Belief That His Unshaved Armpits Are Voodoo

In a candid Apple Music interview, Damini Ogulu, known globally as Burna Boy, tackled a particularly bizarre misconception that some Nigerians genuinely believe that his habit of not shaving his armpits is the mystical source of his success, “some kind of voodoo,” as he put it.

By comparing the myth to the biblical tale of Samson whose strength lay in his unshaven hair, Burna Boy highlighted the absurdity:

“There are some people who claim that my armpit is where my power is because I don’t shave…like my power is in my armpits. I don’t even know how to explain it. It’s just some dumb sh*t that’s going on. I even tried to find out if it’s even possible.”

Burna Boy’s global rise to prominence helps explain why such myths thrive. He is a Grammy-winning, internationally acclaimed Afrobeats superstar whose artistry defies simple labels. His albums, like Love, Damini shattered records, debuting at No. 14 on the Billboard 200, topping the UK charts, and dominating Apple Music in dozens of countries. His distinctive style, a fusion of Afrobeats, dancehall, reggae, and hip-hop, propelled him to sell out major arenas worldwide and earn multiple prestigious awards.

Such unprecedented success naturally fuels public fascination, and when that fascination meets cultural superstition, the result can be odd but compelling stories.

Myths often arise when fans try to explain what feels supernatural. In many cultures, physical habits become symbols, for example, in the Burna Boy myth, not shaving becomes a metaphor for holding onto power. Also, global success can breed scrutiny as much as admiration.

Though this is a light-hearted anecdote, it speaks volumes about Burna Boy’s cultural impact. It’s a testament to how deeply his music connects with people, and how, in the gaps between admiration and understanding, myths can flourish.

Even now, his music continues to break barriers and spark conversations not because of any voodoo, but because of his undeniable artistry.

This amusing misconception that Burna Boy’s unshaved armpits are his success secret is as absurd as it is revealing. It showcases the strange places public imagination can go, and Burna Boy, with his humor and authenticity, turns it into yet another moment worth listening to.