It is sometime in August 2018, Burna Boy has finished recording the “Outside” album and he wants to have a celebratory splurge. He settles on buying a Bentley and talks to his team and finance people to figure out the Bentley payment.
But the Bentley is not enough. Burna Boy has had quite an eventful year and he needs more than a Bentley to appease his inner gods. He decides to step up his flexing, drink a little bit more and turn up at the littest clubs in Lagos. He deserves it, no question.
On one of those booze and party-filled nights, Burna Boy is having a good time at Quilox, one of the most popular clubs in Lagos. He’s a little woozy from the marijuana and alcohol that’s been flowing all night, but he’s having a good time. He soon spots the club-owner, Shina Peller, who also owns a record label and is currently a member of Nigeria’s legislative house, walking towards him. He’s Burna’s friend so Burna Boy thinks he’s just coming to join the fun.
What Burna Boy doesn’t know is that Shina Peller is not interested in the fun. As Peller arrives at Burna’s booth, he leans in and whispers into Burna’s ear over the incredibly loud music and flashing lights, “Yo, my guy upstairs just made this beat and I’m telling you bro, this one is for you.” Burna Boy doesn’t seem convinced, so Shina Peller brings out his phone and sticks it close to Burna’s ear, urging him to listen to the beat.
Burna Boy can barely hear the beat through the tiny speaker grilles on Shina Peller’s phone but he’s also gotten hungry now. Thankfully, Shina Peller built a restaurant into his club compound so both men head there to grab a bite. As Burna Boy eats, Shina Peller plays the beat for him again and eventually convinces him to come to the studio, also in the Quilox premises, and record a song.
So they do just that – head to the studio. Within 10 minutes, Burna Boy is done recording and the 2018 anthem “Ye” is born. The rest, as they say, is history. What a moment in time!
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by 208headlines