Burna Boy’s Twice As Tall: 5 Years On, The Grammy-Winning Album That Redefined Afrobeats

It has been five years since Nigerian Afrobeats icon Burna Boy released his Grammy-winning masterpiece, Twice As Tall, an album that not only won awards but also reshaped the perception of African music on the global stage. Released on August 14, 2020, the project remains one of the most influential bodies of work in Nigerian pop history.

Burna Boy had already ignited the world with his critically acclaimed fourth studio album, African Giant (2019), before the release of Twice As Tall. That project propelled him into international superstardom and earned him his first-ever Grammy nomination for Best Global Album. Although he lost to the legendary Angelique Kidjo, the disappointment became the spark that ignited his next big move.

 

Rising From Defeat

Burna Boy, true to his resilient nature, refused to see the Grammy loss as a setback. Instead, he transformed the pain into fuel, determined to create an album that would prove he belonged in the elite league of global music icons. The result was Twice As Tall, a statement of intent, a cultural milestone, and an artistic triumph.

 

An Album of Depth, Identity, and Range

The 15-track album was Burna Boy at his most fearless, weaving together the threads of Afrobeats, reggae, hip-hop, highlife, and world music with unmatched lyrical depth. He deliberately stripped away excessive commercialism, replacing it with multi-genre offerings that married African identity with a universal appeal.

To help realise this vision, he enlisted the legendary Sean “Diddy” Combs as an executive producer. Together, they crafted a project that balanced African roots with the perspective of a global star.

From the introspective opener Level Up (featuring Senegalese icon Youssou N’Dour) to the politically charged Monsters You Made (with Coldplay’s Chris Martin), Burna Boy tackled themes of self-belief, Pan-Africanism, corruption, neo-colonialism, and love.

His Nigerian heritage shone brightly on Onyeka, a highlife-infused love song that paid homage to the legendary Onyeka Onwenu. At the same time, the bouncy Bebo and satirical Commas showed his knack for social commentary.

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Pan-African Vision and Global Collaborations

The album’s artwork itself spoke volumes, featuring symbols of ancient African kingdoms, from the Bini Bronze head to the Egyptian pyramids, reinforcing its Pan-African spirit. Collaborations with Sauti Sol, Naughty By Nature, and Stormzy demonstrated his ability to bridge cultures without losing authenticity.

Tracks like “Way Too Big” showcased his defiance, “23” celebrated success, and “Not Fit Vex” reminded listeners of his playful yet cautionary worldview. Bank On It closed the album with the swagger of a man who had delivered on his promise to make history.

 

The Grammy Moment

When Twice As Tall won the Grammy Award for Best Global Album, Burna Boy achieved precisely what he set out to do, proving not only his greatness but also elevating Nigerian music to unprecedented heights. The project’s songs became staples in his live performances and remained fan favourites years later.

Five years on, Twice As Tall stands as a modern classic, a blueprint for African artists aiming for both cultural authenticity and global acclaim. It remains a reminder that greatness isn’t just about talent but about vision, resilience, and the courage to stand twice as tall after every fall.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: When was Burna Boy’s ‘Twice As Tall’ released?

A: It was released on August 14, 2020.

Q: What Grammy Award did ‘Twice As Tall’ win?

A: It won the Grammy for Best Global Album.

Q: Who was the executive producer of the album?

A: Sean “Diddy” Combs served as the executive producer.

Q: What themes does the album explore?

A: The album addresses Pan-Africanism, self-belief, corruption, neo-colonialism, love, and resilience.

Q: Which artists were featured on ‘Twice As Tall’?

A: Youssou N’Dour, Chris Martin, Sauti Sol, Naughty By Nature, and Stormzy.