In the world of music, few names command respect beyond the artists themselves. Bose Ogulu, popularly known as Mama Burna, is one of those rare forces behind the scenes, shaping the career of one of Africa’s biggest stars. While Burna Boy’s music has taken the world by storm, his mother’s unwavering guidance, strategic vision, and business acumen have propelled him to global dominance.
More than just a talent manager, Bose Ogulu is a polyglot, educator, and entrepreneur with deep roots in music through her father, Benson Idonije, Fela Kuti’s first manager. From navigating the complexities of the entertainment industry to securing major international deals, she has redefined what it means to be an African music executive.
Her journey from academia to music management is an inspiring tale of resilience, strategic brilliance, and an unshakable belief in African talent. But how did she do it? Let’s explore the story of the woman behind Burna Boy’s global success.
Early Life & Education
Born November 19, 1967, Bose Ogulu was raised in a household where words, culture, and music shaped daily life. She is the daughter of Benson Idonije, the renowned Nigerian music critic and first manager of Fela Kuti. Growing up in a family that valued language and artistic expression, she was naturally exposed to the power of words, music, and storytelling from an early age.
Her passion for languages led her to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages and, later, a Master of Arts in Translation from the University of Port Harcourt. She became fluent in English, French, German, Italian, and Yoruba, a skill set that would later prove invaluable in navigating the global music industry.
Before entering entertainment, Ogulu had a successful career as a translator and educator. She worked with the Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce, facilitating international trade through her linguistic expertise. Additionally, she founded Language Bridges, an institution designed to teach foreign languages to Nigerian students and expose them to cultural immersion trips across Africa and Europe.
Her passion for education also led her to teach French for a decade at the University of Education in Port Harcourt. During this period, she instilled in her children a love for learning, discipline, and resilience—qualities that would later define her management approach.
However, despite her successful career in academics and linguistics, Bose Ogulu’s true calling would emerge unexpectedly, placing her at the heart of the African music revolution.
Read: Bose Ogulu, Burna Boy, and Ayra Starr Shine as 2025 Music Week Awards Nominees
The Accidental Manager: How She Built Burna Boy’s Career
Bose Ogulu never set out to be a music manager. Her world revolved around education, languages, and business. But when her son, Damini Ogulu, known today as Burna Boy, decided to pursue music instead of a traditional career path, she instinctively stepped in—not just as a mother but as a strategist, protector, and business mind.
The journey began when Burna Boy returned home to Nigeria after briefly studying media communications in the UK. Almost immediately, he landed an internship at Rhythm 93.7 FM in Port Harcourt, where his freestyle, “Freedom Freestyle,” unexpectedly made it onto the airwaves. The song’s success ignited a fire, and within months, he signed his first record deal with Aristokrat Records in 2012. At that moment, Bose realized that navigating the music industry required more than talent— business acumen, strategy, and a strong team. She took charge, negotiating contracts and ensuring Burna’s brand remained authentic and artistically free.
In 2014, Burna Boy parted ways with Aristokrat, and Bose took a step back for a few years. But in 2017, she returned in full force, restructuring his career and launching Spaceship Entertainment—a move that marked a turning point. Under her guidance, Burna Boy transformed from a promising artist into a global Afrofusion icon.
She played a critical role in securing international collaborations, major festival performances, and high-profile record deals. She guided Burna through award-winning albums like “Outside” (2018), “African Giant” (2019), and “Twice as Tall” (2020)—the latter winning Nigeria’s first Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album.
Bose Ogulu’s approach to management went beyond logistics. She ensured that Burna’s African heritage remained central to his brand. Her infamous 2019 BET Awards speech, in which she reminded African Americans that “you were Africans before you became anything else,” cemented her reputation as not just a manager but a cultural leader.
With a keen business sense and a mother’s fierce loyalty, Bose Ogulu didn’t just build Burna Boy’s career—she built a legacy.
Businesswoman & The Spaceship Collective
Beyond being Burna Boy’s manager, Bose Ogulu has cemented her place in the music business, ensuring that African artists have ownership over their craft. Recognizing the need for independence in a music industry often dominated by external influences, she founded Spaceship Collective, an umbrella company that houses Spaceship Records and Spaceship Publishing.
Spaceship Records was launched in 2020 as a response to Burna Boy’s increasing global success and the need for a structure that prioritized artistic freedom. Unlike traditional record labels, Spaceship operates on an artist-centric model, where creatives maintain control over their music, distribution, and branding. Burna Boy was the label’s first signee, and under its banner, he released critically acclaimed albums such as Twice as Tall, which won Best Global Music Album at the 2021 Grammy Awards, and Love, Damini, which earned another nomination in 2023.
But Bose Ogulu didn’t stop at managing Burna’s career—she extended her expertise to nurturing other African talents, including her daughter Nissi Ogulu, a singer, songwriter, and visual artist. Through Spaceship Collective, she has created a platform for African creatives that bridges the gap between local artistry and global opportunities.
In an industry where artists often struggle with exploitation and loss of creative control, Bose has been a champion for ownership, negotiating major deals while ensuring that African artists retain rights to their work. Her business acumen and industry insight have reshaped how Nigerian artists engage with global markets, proving that independence and success coexist.
Today, Spaceship Collective isn’t just a record label or a management agency—it’s a movement, an ecosystem for African creatives, and a testament to Bose Ogulu’s visionary leadership in the entertainment industry.
Iconic Public Moments & Global Influence
Bose Ogulu’s presence in the music industry extends far beyond boardrooms and management meetings. Her ability to command attention on the global stage has turned her into a cultural figure in her own right. Whether it’s her unforgettable award speeches, viral moments, or industry-shaping decisions, Bose has demonstrated that being a talent manager is about more than strategy—it’s about shaping the narrative of African excellence.
One of her most iconic public moments came at the 2019 BET Awards when she took the stage to accept the Best International Act award on behalf of Burna Boy. In a speech that resonated across the diaspora, she reminded the audience, “Remember, you were Africans before you became anything else.” The powerful message earned her a standing ovation, cementing her role as not just Burna Boy’s manager but as a voice for African identity on the world stage.
She has also dominated conversations in the industry with her bold presence at award shows, where she has often gone viral. At the 2018 Soundcity MVP Awards Festival, Bose stole the show when she took the microphone after Burna Boy won four major awards, declaring, “Expect more madness!” The phrase quickly became a rallying cry for Burna Boy’s fans, setting the tone for his unstoppable global rise.
Her influence isn’t limited to acceptance speeches—she has actively shaped the business of African music. Bose has been instrumental in negotiating high-profile deals, ensuring that African artists are properly compensated and have a seat at the global table. From securing partnerships with international record labels to navigating the complexities of global distribution, she has redefined artist management in Africa.
As a trailblazer in a male-dominated industry, Bose Ogulu has set an example for women in leadership and African creatives worldwide. Her ability to seamlessly blend business, culture, and advocacy has transformed her from just a manager to one of the most influential figures in the music business today.
Read: Jubril Arogundade Honored Among Africa’s Top 40 Under 40
Legacy & Lessons in Leadership
Bose Ogulu’s journey from linguist and educator to one of Africa’s most powerful talent managers is a masterclass in leadership, resilience, and vision. She has redefined the role of an artist manager, proving that success is not just about strategy—it’s about protecting an artist’s legacy, championing African culture, and setting global standards.
One of her greatest lessons in leadership is the power of self-confidence. Bose has always operated with an unwavering belief in her skills and instincts, never allowing industry norms to dictate her approach. She knew Burna Boy was destined for greatness, and rather than leaving his career in the hands of outsiders, she built a structure around him that ensured he could thrive on his own terms.
She also teaches the value of patience and adaptability. The road to Burna Boy’s international superstardom was not without setbacks. From early industry struggles to navigating a break in their professional relationship, she has shown that leadership is about understanding when to push forward and when to recalibrate. When she returned as his manager in 2017, she didn’t just guide his career—she helped reshape the global perception of African music.
Another key takeaway from her journey is the importance of cultural pride. Bose Ogulu doesn’t just manage an artist—she represents a movement. From her viral BET Awards speech to her insistence on African artists negotiating from a position of strength, she has been at the forefront of the conversation about Africa’s rightful place in the global music industry.
Finally, she embodies the art of balance—the ability to be both a fierce businesswoman and a nurturing mother. In an industry known for its unpredictability, she has managed to raise a global superstar while maintaining her values and authenticity.
Through her leadership, Bose Ogulu has not only set a new precedent for artist management but also paved the way for a new generation of African entrepreneurs, managers, and creatives who are ready to take the world by storm.