Nigerian singer Damini Ogulu, aka Burna Boy, says American R&B musician Toni Braxton gets 60% of the streaming royalties from his hit song, “Last Last.”
During an appearance on the American podcast Million Dollaz Worth of Game, hosted by Gillie Da King and Wallo267, the Grammy-winning artist revealed the information. He talked about the song’s creative process and his choice to sample Braxton’s 2000 smash song “He Wasn’t Man Enough.”
Burna Boy clarified that he has been thinking about sampling the American singer’s hit for a while before Nigerian music producer Chopstix helped bring it to life.
“It was actually my idea, to be honest. I just always wanted to use that sample and I knew Chopstix could do something crazy with it. I just pointed that out and he took it from there. That’s one of the most special creative processes ever,” he said.
Speaking about the royalty arrangement, the singer disclosed that Braxton receives a significant share of the song’s streaming royalties.
“But she is taking 60 per cent of it. I’m not complaining. Hopefully, she even comes out to one of the shows,” he added.
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The revelation attracted reactions from music fans, with some expressing surprise at the percentage allocated to Braxton, while others pointed to the financial implications of sampling established recordings in the music industry.
However, Burna Boy later offered further clarification during an appearance on Shopping for Sneakers, explaining that Braxton’s 60 per cent share relates to the song’s streaming royalties rather than its overall earnings.
He also disclosed that ‘Last Last’ had earned him more money than any other song in his career at the time, despite the royalty arrangement.
Released in May 2022, ‘Last Last’ became one of the defining records of Burna Boy’s career. The song, which explores heartbreak, disappointment and emotional recovery, gained widespread popularity in Nigeria and internationally.
Its familiar instrumental incorporates elements of Braxton’s ‘He Wasn’t Man Enough’, released in 2000 as part of her third studio album, The Heat. The original recording became one of the American singer’s recognisable hits, earning her a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 2001.
‘Last Last’ serves as the seventh track on Burna Boy’s sixth studio album, Love, Damini, released in July 2022. The project features 19 tracks, with guest appearances from artists including Ed Sheeran, J Hus, Kehlani and Khalid.
The song also became a commercial success, extending Burna Boy’s international reach and reinforcing Afrobeats’ growing presence in the global music industry.
