“I’m forever indebted to him,” Burna Boy hails grandfather Benson Idonije at 90

Grammy Award-winning artiste Burna Boy has paid glowing tribute to his grandfather, Pa Benson Idonije, describing him as a man to whom he will remain “forever indebted.”

The singer made the remark during a celebration in Lagos marking Idonije’s 90th birthday, which drew family members, friends, music legends, and admirers.

Pa Idonije, a respected broadcaster, music critic, and former manager of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, was honoured at the event for his longstanding contributions to Nigeria’s music industry.

The celebration went beyond a birthday milestone, serving as a recognition of a life that has helped shape the country’s musical landscape across generations.

The event blended glamour with history, as guests arrived in elegant fashion for the red carpet celebration, while reflecting on Idonije’s legacy in Nigerian music.

Idonije’s close association with Fela and his role in documenting and promoting Afrobeat have cemented his place as an important figure in the genre’s development.

For many attendees, the occasion highlighted a rare musical lineage that connects Fela’s revolutionary Afrobeat era with Burna Boy’s global success.

As Burna Boy continues to project Nigerian music on the world stage, his tribute underscored the lasting influence of his grandfather’s guidance, mentorship, and legacy.

The gathering ultimately served as a symbolic bridge between generations—linking Fela’s era of musical activism to Burna Boy’s contemporary global dominance, with Pa Benson Idonije at the centre of that enduring story.