“I Now Have 40 Kids on Tour”—Burna Boy’s Mum and Manager, Bose Ogulu, Speaks on Balancing Family and Business
Bose Ogulu, renowned for being both the mother and manager of Afrobeats megastar Burna Boy, has shared rare insights into how she manages the delicate balance between family and business in the high-pressure world of global music.
In a recent interview, Ogulu, fondly referred to by many fans as “Mama Burna” acknowledged the emotional complexities that come with working so closely with family.
She admitted that separating personal feelings from professional decisions is often a tough act.
“Sometimes it’s hard drawing the line between work and emotions,” she said. “But I tell him, ‘Now your mom’s talking,’ or, ‘I’m your manager, so yell at me.’ It helps us stay grounded and supported even during disagreements. Objectivity can be difficult, but we make a conscious effort.”
Bose Ogulu also spoke about how her role has grown over time, from managing her son to now overseeing a large touring team.
“Family has extended beyond my children. I now have 40 ‘kids’—young talents and crew members—who travel with us on tour. It’s become a much bigger responsibility,” she revealed.
Looking back on the early days of Burna Boy’s career, Ogulu recounted the sacrifices she made to help him build his brand.
She disclosed that before any success or earnings came in, she was the one handling everything from contracts to logistics.
“There was a time they couldn’t afford to pay me. I funded their projects, read contracts, handled administrative work,” she recalled.
“France holds a special place in my heart because I speak French and used to take the kids to places like Biarritz. Those trips became part of their creative exposure—we were surrounded by all kinds of music, including rock.”
Commenting on how she switches between her professional and maternal roles, she added, “If I were just a mom, I’d probably stay home. But this is my job, and I love it. So switching hats has become second nature.”
With a growing legacy in both family and music, Bose Ogulu stands out as a powerful force behind Burna Boy’s international success, combining tough business acumen with the warmth of motherhood.