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Burna Boy on his passion for basketball at NBA All-Star Weekend – Basketball Maniacs

The Grammy Award-winner once dreamed of playing in the NBA, but instead brought his talents to the league in other ways

Burna Boy, a Nigerian-born singer, songwriter and record producer, stole the show Sunday with his performance at halftime of the 2023 NBA All-Star Game. The Grammy winner spoke to NBA.com about his passion for basketball and his trip to Salt Lake City for All-Star Weekend.

Editor’s Note: The following 1-on-1 interview has been edited and abridged.

What memory do you have of watching or playing basketball as a kid?

I have too many, too many First I wanted to play basketball – I was in high school where I was on the basketball team and we killed everyone [lacht]. Do you understand me?

Even before that, it was always a dream of mine to play basketball. The paths of life are different, and yes – I’m here, still in the NBA. I still made it to the NBA [lacht].

What does it mean to you to appear at the 2023 NBA All-Star Game?

It’s a dream – it’s unbelievable. I dreamed of playing in the NBA since I was a kid, but I got to perform in the NBA, so I guess I made it.

What are your thoughts on Nigerians’ connection to basketball?

Everyone wants to play basketball at some point. Even if at some point you don’t want to play anymore, even if you play streetball or something, it’s always entertaining. There is always something that draws you to basketball.

Of course, Nigeria is a football-dominated country, a football-dominated country. But at the same time we also have some of the best basketball players.

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