DJ Akademiks stirred debate, claiming Nigerian star Burna Boy is more successful than American rapper Gunna, fueling intense discussions across social media.
Akademiks shared this opinion on his podcast while discussing Burna Boy’s rumored romance with Chloe Bailey, Gunna’s alleged former girlfriend.
Rumours spark talk of romance
Speculation about Burna Boy and Chloe Bailey began when the two were seen holding hands after leaving a Lagos nightclub. The sighting fueled rumors of a possible romantic relationship between the Grammy-winning Nigerian artist and the multi-talented American singer and actress.
DJ Akademiks seized the moment to weigh in, adding his signature controversial spin. “We just keep seeing them together,” he remarked, suggesting that the frequency of their appearances hints at something more than friendship.
The “dating up” theory
Akademiks took the conversation further, expressing his belief that women typically pursue relationships with men they perceive as more successful or influential. “I keep telling you,” he said, “women don’t date down; they date up.”
This sentiment set the stage for his bold assertion that Burna Boy surpasses Gunna in success. He argued that, while Gunna may sell more records in the United States, Burna Boy’s global reach makes him the more accomplished artist.
Global success over local fame
Burna Boy, born Damini Ogulu, has built a reputation as one of Africa’s most influential artists. With a Grammy win for his album Twice as Tall and sold-out performances in major cities worldwide, Burna Boy has cemented his place on the international stage.
Akademiks pointed out this global appeal, emphasizing that Burna Boy’s influence extends beyond record sales. “Burna is an international artist. He might not sell more units than Gunna in the United States, but he’s more successful worldwide,” Akademiks explained.
Gunna’s U.S. dominance
Meanwhile, Gunna, known for his chart-topping hits and collaborations with top American artists, remains a dominant force in the U.S. hip-hop scene. His recent album A Gift & a Curse debuted in the Billboard Top 10, showcasing his continued success despite legal troubles and public controversies.
However, Akademiks dismissed Gunna’s domestic achievements as less significant on a global scale compared to Burna Boy’s international acclaim.
Chloe Bailey at the center
The discussion of Burna Boy and Gunna’s success is inseparable from the rumors surrounding Chloe Bailey. The singer, one-half of the R&B duo Chloe x Halle, has gained fame for her musical talent and acting roles.
Chloe’s alleged involvement with Burna Boy led Akademiks to speculate that her rumored relationship choices reflect his theory about women “dating up.” He noted that her past association with Gunna and her current closeness to Burna Boy indicate an upward trajectory in terms of influence and status.
Divided opinions
Akademiks’ comments sparked mixed reactions on social media. Fans of both Burna Boy and Gunna were quick to defend their favorite artists, with many questioning the criteria used to define success.
Supporters of Burna Boy highlighted his ability to represent African music on a global stage, while Gunna’s fans pointed to his chart-topping hits and cultural impact in the U.S. as evidence of his dominance.

Broader implications
This debate underscores the evolving dynamics of success in the music industry. In a world where streaming and social media blur geographic boundaries, an artist’s global reach often carries more weight than local dominance.
Burna Boy’s ability to sell out arenas in Europe and America while maintaining his roots in African music is a testament to this shift. On the other hand, Gunna’s consistent presence on U.S. charts highlights the enduring value of a strong domestic fanbase.
Conclusion
As rumors of Burna Boy and Chloe Bailey’s relationship continue to swirl, DJ Akademiks’ claim adds another layer to the conversation. Whether one agrees with his assessment or not, his comments have reignited discussions about the nature of success in today’s music industry.
For now, Burna Boy and Gunna remain at the top of their respective games, each carving out a unique legacy in the world of music. Meanwhile, Chloe Bailey finds herself at the intersection of this debate, a testament to her own rising star power.
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