How Bose Ogulu Masters Being Burna Boy’s Mum and Manager

Bose Ogulu, famously known as “Mama Burna,” continues to be a central force behind the global rise of Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy not just as his manager, but also as his mother.

In a recent interview, Ogulu opened up about the delicate balance between nurturing her son and managing his skyrocketing career, offering a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes reality of one of Africa’s most influential music relationships.

Ogulu candidly admits that her dual role is both rewarding and challenging. “It’s tough,” she said, referring to the need to switch between being a mother and a manager. “Sometimes, I have to remind him, ‘Now your mum is talking,’ and other times, ‘This is your manager speaking.’” This deliberate distinction is how she draws the line, especially during disagreements, allowing both roles to exist without conflict. It’s a strategy that has served her well in managing Burna Boy’s career through global tours, record-breaking albums, and international award wins.

While Bose Ogulu manages Burna Boy and his sister, Nissi Ogulu, she also leads a touring team of nearly 40 people, all of whom she treats with maternal care. “On the road, I have 30 to 40 other children,” she says, underscoring how deeply her maternal instincts are woven into her professional role.

Ogulu’s ability to manage one of Africa’s biggest music stars isn’t accidental. Her background is rich and varied. She holds a BA and MA in foreign languages from the University of Port Harcourt and is fluent in English, French, German, Italian, and Yoruba. As the daughter of Benson Idonije, Fela Kuti’s first manager, Ogulu grew up immersed in the world of music and artist management.

She taught French for over a decade and later founded a language school, Language Bridges, which facilitated cultural exchange trips for more than 1,800 young Nigerians. In 2018, she retired from teaching to dedicate herself fully to her children’s careers. That decision laid the groundwork for what would become Burna Boy’s most successful period, including a Grammy win and multiple international collaborations.

A Self-Made Music Executive

Before Burna Boy became a household name, Ogulu managed every aspect of his career, often using her personal funds to cover studio time and administrative costs. She reviewed contracts herself and ensured her son stayed grounded, even as fame beckoned.

Today, she is the founder and CEO of Spaceship Collective, the umbrella company behind Burna Boy’s label Spaceship Records. Her achievements have earned her multiple industry awards, including “Manager of the Year” and recognition at several African music industry events.

What makes Ogulu’s approach unique is her clear boundary-setting and emotional intelligence. “I don’t take it personally,” she said, describing moments when professional disagreements arise. “I don’t carry things over from one role to the other.”

This ability to compartmentalize has become essential for sustaining both her family’s dynamic and her business empire. Her leadership style, firm, empathetic, and strategic serves as a model for managing creative talent in emotionally complex environments.

Bose Ogulu is more than just Burna Boy’s manager; she’s a trailblazer in African music management. Her impact reaches beyond her family, influencing how artists and managers collaborate in today’s globalized music landscape.

With each success, she not only reinforces her son’s career but also builds a legacy rooted in integrity, cultural pride, and maternal strength.