Bose Ogulu, also known as Mama Burna, is a distinguished Nigerian academic, businesswoman, and talent manager, who plays a crucial role in her children, Burna Boy and Nissi Ogulu’s musical career. She is from Edo State and is the daughter of Nigerian music critic, Benson Idonije, who notably managed the legendary Fela Kuti.
Bose, who is 57 years, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages and a Master of Arts in Translation from the University of Port Harcourt. She is proficient in multiple languages, including English, French, German, Italian, and Yoruba.
Before managing Burna Boy, Bose had a successful career as a translator for the Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce. She also founded a language school called Language Bridges, through which she organized cultural immersion trips for over 1,800 young people.
Additionally, she spent a decade teaching French at the University of Education in Port Harcourt before retiring in 2018 to focus on her role as a talent manager.
As Burna Boy’s manager, Ogulu has been instrumental in guiding his career, as well as managing the career of her daughter, Nissi Ogulu. Her dedication and support have earned her the affectionate nickname “Mama Burna.” She has represented Burna Boy at various award events, collecting accolades on his behalf from prestigious platforms such as the All Africa Music Awards, The Headies, and the MTV Europe Music Award.
Ogulu’s influence extends beyond talent management. She is the founder and CEO of Spaceship Collective, which includes the entertainment label Spaceship Records and the publishing outfit Spaceship Publishing. Her contributions to the music industry and her entrepreneurial ventures make her an inspiring figure in Nigerian culture and beyond.
Phassy Law Wordsmith