LAGOS, Nigeria — Grammy Award-winning Nigerian singer Burna Boy has revealed that British music star Ed Sheeran played a key role in helping him cope with the pressure of performing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, describing the advice he received as invaluable ahead of one of the biggest moments of his career.
Speaking about the experience, Burna Boy said performing at the World Cup final came with enormous expectations because of the global audience and the significance of the event. He explained that the opportunity was both exciting and intimidating, as millions of football fans from different countries were watching the ceremony. According to the singer, Ed Sheeran’s encouragement helped him remain calm and focused instead of becoming overwhelmed by the magnitude of the occasion.
Burna Boy said Sheeran advised him to trust his talent, remain authentic and enjoy the performance rather than worry about the pressure surrounding the event. The Nigerian artiste noted that those conversations gave him greater confidence before stepping onto the stage. He added that Sheeran’s words reminded him that he had earned the opportunity through years of hard work and dedication to his craft.
The Afrobeats star described the World Cup final performance as one of the greatest achievements of his musical journey. He said it was a proud moment not only for him personally but also for Nigeria and Africa, as it provided another opportunity to showcase African music and culture to a worldwide audience. Burna Boy added that seeing Afrobeats continue to gain global recognition has been rewarding and demonstrates how far the genre has come over the years.
He also praised the support he has received from fellow musicians throughout his career, saying genuine friendships within the industry have helped him grow as both an artiste and a performer. Burna Boy described Ed Sheeran as someone who has consistently shown admiration for African music and has always been willing to collaborate with African artistes. Their professional relationship has produced successful collaborations and strengthened cultural ties between African and international music audiences.
Reflecting on his World Cup experience, Burna Boy said the performance taught him the importance of preparation, confidence and staying true to one’s identity regardless of the size of the audience. He explained that moments of pressure can become defining milestones when approached with the right mindset and adequate preparation.
The singer expressed hope that his experience would inspire younger African musicians to pursue ambitious goals without fear. According to him, the growing international acceptance of Afrobeats proves that African artistes can compete and excel on the world’s biggest stages while remaining true to their roots.
Burna Boy concluded by saying he remains committed to representing Nigeria positively through his music and performances around the world. He noted that performing at the FIFA World Cup final remains one of the most memorable highlights of his career and credited the encouragement he received from people such as Ed Sheeran, alongside the unwavering support of his fans, for helping him embrace the challenge with confidence.
