We’ve been anticipating Burna Boy’s eighth studio album, No Sign Of Weakness (which he first alluded to on the song ‘Roboshotta’ with Busta Rhymes) for a while, and now it’s here. Early opinions have started rolling in, like this tweet that made me laugh. As usual, the public has differing opinions: some swear it’s the best 47 minutes and 17 seconds of your life, while others mock it as a definite sign of weakness. But what do core Burna fans think about it? We reached out to Outsiders all around the country and beyond, and here’s what they had to say about the different tracks.
- No Panic – Abdul, UK
Burna Boy kicks off the album with an audacious, genre-bending statement piece in No Panic. If there’s one thing he’s mastered over the years, it’s the art of blending sounds that shouldn’t work together, yet somehow always do in his hands. Here, he rides a slick fusion of Afro-House sprinkled with hints of swing and soft rock, delivering a performance that’s as boastful as it is infectious.
On No Panic, Burna is declaring with his chest to anyone who cares to listen that he’s simply greater than the rest, by whatever metrics you may choose to measure it. It’s the perfect opener: loud, confident, and a clear sign that this album isn’t about playing it safe. He’s here to show exactly what the title says: No Signs Of Weakness.
Full props to P2J too, whose production turns this track into what’s bound to become a rave favourite. If Burna’s mission was to start things off with a bang, consider it accomplished.
- No Sign of Weakness – Bobby, Abia State
No Sign of Weakness is easily the hardest track on the album, a 10/10 track. From the jump, the voiceover intro hits: “weakness doesn’t need permission to take over your mind…” It sets the tone perfectly, both for the song and the entire album (it’s the title track, after all). The deep, powerful, almost divine voice feels like “God” or maybe Burna’s inner man. Then the hook slides in, pure harmony (la la la la), giving Burna the perfect platform. The mood is upbeat, confident, self-affirmative, and fearless. It’s the kind of music that gives you that ‘I AM HIM’ energy, even if you don’t know the lyrics. You’ll just be nodding like you’re that guy.
Lyrically, Burna doesn’t disappoint. There are quotables and relatables for days, from the Harry Potter line to the Kanayo O Kanayo sacrifice bar. His delivery is peak freestyle-era Burna, not singing but punching the beat like he was trying to beat it up. His rap voice (that deeper, denser tone) comes out strong, and it rides perfectly with the beat. This is the track that embodies the whole theme of the album. It should’ve been the first track, a proper intro that lets you know what’s coming. And the sample at the end is just chef’s kiss. It gives the song a clean fade-out: not abrupt, not overdone, just the perfect close to a flawless track. I’m of the opinion that ‘No sign of weakness’ would have made a proper intro to the album.
- Buy You Life – Segun O., Lagos
Buy You Life opens with the image of a child leaving home for the city, grounded in the heartfelt prayers of their parents. They remind him not to lose his way, and most importantly, that money can’t buy you life.
In this mature, Highlife-inspired track, Burna Boy reflects deeply on the fleeting nature of existence. He reminds listeners that no matter how we live, how hard we hustle, or how much wealth we accumulate, money can never buy us more time. Death, he notes, is so inevitable that even the most careful cannot avoid it.
In an era dominated by capitalism and constant striving, Burna delivers a sobering message: wealth means little if we don’t cherish the present. The track encourages us to live fully and appreciate the moments we’re given.
- Love – Bobby, Abia State
Love is one of those songs that grabs you from the first few seconds. The melodic interlude that ushers in the song would have you in some type of mood even before the first line comes out of Burna’s mouth. The song has no hook per se, but the tune is just beautiful, very “Common Person” coded. This is a song for everyone, like everybody no matter your standing in life, the mood and the message are universal. and if you listen to it at certain moments or situations, you may even shed a tear or two. Lyrically, Burna is in gospel mode, the whole song is a message. He sings about love in all its forms: self-love, family, people, work, and love for God. Every line is real-life truth.
Vocal-wise, it’s the complete opposite of No Sign of Weakness. Here, Burna is singing, just pouring all that baritone richness into our ears unprovoked. The beat is calm and smooth, and even when his flow switches, he keeps that mellow energy steady. It’s a slower tempo, but the emotion stays high throughout. The song also ties into the album’s title in a different way: most people hear No Sign of Weakness and think of strength as in grit or guarding. But really loving is a show of strength. Loving is a way of showing “no sign of weakness” especially when you are loving the right people genuinely without expecting anything in return. Whether it’s showing up for the people you care about or refusing to harden your heart in a difficult world, Love reminds us that softness can be strong too.
- TaTaTa – Charles, Oyo State
Burna has told us once more that he’s willing to go out of his way for nyansh (lol). This song is a banger! Everything works, from the production to the Travis Scott feature. It is really upbeat and has the potential to be a huge party hit, although it’s definitely something you can just listen to at home when you need a pick-me-up. The only thing I’m a bit iffy about is the Balthazar reference, because that was a very messy situation, and I personally don’t think we’re supposed to hail or glorify him.
- Come Gimme – Abdul, UK
One of my absolute favourite versions of Burna Boy is the loverboy Burna; the one who sings sweet adulations and praises to his muse, all wrapped up in peculiar metaphors and addictive hooks only he can deliver. Think Pull Up, Onyeka, On The Low, or Toni-Ann Singh, peak Burna melodies serenading you with confessions of desire, whether it’s for the night or for forever. This song is exactly that version of Burna Boy in full form: hypnotic melodies, lines that make you smirk, and a hook so catchy you’ll find yourself randomly mumbling “come gimme, come gimme, come gimme” at the strangest times of the day.
A 10/10 record in my humble opinion and proof that sometimes all you really need is Burna in his bag, whispering sweet nothings over a beat that won’t leave your head.
- Dem Dey – Segun A., Lagos
Dem Dey caught me by surprise and turned out better than I could ever have imagined. The intro gave me a lot of nostalgia because it reminded me of Lagbaja, an artist I listened to a lot while growing up. The “Oloye” chant at the outro was the icing on the cake. Burna did his thing as usual.
- Sweet Love – Zulaykha, Kano
From the moment I heard this song as a single preceding the album, I guessed that it would be a gem. Now, listening to it alongside the rest of the album, I know my assumption was absolutely correct. We know Burna at his core is a loverboy; he always makes love sound sweet, even when you know it’s a trap! This song is no less excellent than his other love songs; he’s just doing it in a different ‘font’: reggae, because why not?
It’s an 8/10. 2 points deducted because it ended before I had my fill of it, it’s way too short.
- 28 Grams – Segun A., Lagos
28 Grams was love at first listen. It cut deep and triggered different emotions. Burna’s powerful vocals and the beat were so harmonious that it makes it one of those songs you listen to whenever you need some introspection.
- Kabiyesi – Charles, Oyo State
Kabiyesi is essentially Burna telling us that he is currently enjoying his life and the fruits of his labour, and he feels like a king. It kind of feels like Fuji and EDM got married and had a baby. One other thing I’ll say is that this song wouldn’t have felt out of place on the “On A Spaceship” album.
- Empty Chairs – Segun O., Lagos State
Empty Chairs continues Burna Boy’s signature tradition of blending Afrofusion with legacy by featuring a legendary figure in their twilight years, adding timeless depth to his sound. In this track, Burna uses the metaphor of an “empty chair” to explore multiple layers of his journey. It symbolises his claim to the Afrobeats throne, the solitude of ambition, and the irony of critics attending his sold-out shows just to snap pictures of unoccupied seats.
The song weaves together three vivid narratives: the triumphs he’s earned in the music industry, the tribulations of his youth, and his unfiltered reaction to bizarre fan behaviour. These themes come together to paint a complex picture of fame, perseverance, and self-awareness.
The outro shifts into a powerful reflection on liberation and breaking generational chains, offering a hopeful close. Mick Jagger’s verse, understated yet potent, might not land immediately, but it’s the kind of contribution that matures with time and repeated listens.
This is what true Afrofusion sounds like: layered, genre-fluid, and deeply intentional.
- Update – Segun O., Lagos State
Update is an undeniable bop. On this track, Burna Boy effortlessly fuses a soulful classic feel with the rhythm of Afrobeats, creating a sound that’s both nostalgic and fresh. Beneath the groove, he slips in a subtle word of advice, making it more than just a party anthem. The song also carries a strong sense of self-affirmation, with Burna asserting his place at the top.
With its Fuji-esque energy and infectious vibe, Update stands out as one of the best tracks on the album and easily one of the biggest party songs in Nigeria this year. It’s no surprise that it has become the opening song on his tour setlist. Like he says on the track, “they cannot match my energy,” and this song proves it.
- Pardon – Mila, USA
Both Burna and Stromae ate down! I wonder who the apology was for, but I hope they accept because Pardon is such a beautiful song! It’s so soft and sweet, without being sad. It’s just so lovely as something to listen to when you’re craving calmness.
- Bundle by Bundle – Franklin, Canada
Bundle by Bundle is Burna in full big-baller mode. It’s more than just a party jam; it’s sort of an affirmation. Apart from the obvious “yay, I have money”, it also speaks to a high level of confidence and a knowledge that he has put in the work and can now reap the rewards. For the listener, it’s a mood booster and something to aspire to.
- Change Your Mind – David, Lagos State
Change Your Mind is my favourite because it is Afrofusion done well. Unlike ‘Empty Chairs’, which feels “shocking” (even though it’s a great song. Very good),this one is more seamless and familiar.
Burna’s performance on this was amazing too. I like to say ‘vulnerable Burna’ is top 2 Burna. Only second to ‘Braggadocious Burna’. He was a little vulnerable on his verse so that will always get me. Shaboozey also felt at home on this record, unlike ‘Empty Chairs’, where it felt like two songs in one with Mick Jagger as a stranger on it (again, still a great song).
- Born Winner – Fade, Abuja
An excellent choice for an outro, as usual. It’s motivational without feeling very preachy. “Your guiding light is ahead of you, follow it” is a line that has been stuck in my head since I heard this song, so God bless whoever was speaking on the track because his advice is useful not just to Burna but to us all, and we really appreciate it.
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