THE PUBLIC PERCEPTION ON THE USE OF LIVE BAND IN BURNA BOY (DAMINI EBUNOLUWA OGULU) AFROBEATS PERFORMANCES

As Afrobeats continues to assert its presence on the global music stage, the performance styles of its leading artists are subject to increasing scrutiny and appreciation, with Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, receiving critical acclaim for his distinctive use of live band instrumentation. This study investigates public perception of Burna Boy’s integration of a live band. The Outsiders into his Afrobeats performances, positioning it as a key element that differentiates his artistry from other contemporary acts who predominantly rely on pre-recorded tracks and DJ sets. Through qualitative methodologies such as audience interviews, social media sentiment analysis, and concert review evaluations, the research reveals that both local and international audiences perceive Burna Boy’s live band performances as authentic, emotionally resonant, and culturally grounded. Many view his approach as a deliberate revival of African musical traditions, merging indigenous rhythms, Afrobeat foundations, and global musical influences to create a rich, immersive concert experience. This essay highlights how the public interprets live instrumentation as a marker of professionalism and artistic depth, enhancing Burna Boy’s reputation as a global cultural ambassador for African music. It further emphasizes that the use of live bands in his shows not only elevates the performance quality but also contributes to a broader movement within Afrobeats that values musical authenticity and live artistry in an increasingly digitized entertainment landscape.