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VoiceFM Live Sessions

VoiceFM Live Sessions: Unplugged with Burna Boy

History was made last night at the VoiceFM 89.9 studios as Burna Boy graced our intimate Live Sessions stage for an unprecedented unplugged performance. The Grammy-winning artist delivered a spellbinding set that stripped his biggest hits down to their raw, emotional essence, leaving the small studio audience of 50 lucky winners absolutely mesmerized.

The Setting: Intimate and Unforgettable

Transforming our main studio into a cozy concert space, VoiceFM created an atmosphere where music fans could experience their superstar in an up-close setting. With soft lighting, acoustic instruments, and the unmistakable scent of anticipation in the air, this was far from the typical concert experience.

"We wanted to create something special for our listeners," explains VoiceFM's Program Manager, Tunde Adekoya. "Burna Boy is one of the biggest artists in the world, but we wanted to show the man behind the music—the vulnerability, the storytelling, the pure artistry that sometimes gets lost in big stadium shows."

The Performance: Raw and Revealing

Opening with an acoustic version of "Ye," Burna Boy immediately set the tone for what would become an emotional journey through his discography. Stripped of the usual electronic production, the song revealed its melancholic beauty, with Burna's voice carrying the weight of every word.

The intimate setting allowed for between-song conversations that gave fans unprecedented insight into his creative process. "This song," he said before performing "Gbona," "was written during a time when I was questioning everything about my career. Sometimes the most confident-sounding songs come from the most uncertain places."

Throughout the 90-minute set, Burna Boy performed reimagined versions of hits including "On the Low," "Killin Dem," and "Anybody." Each song was transformed, showcasing his versatility as an artist and the strength of his songwriting beyond the production that made them radio staples.

The Surprise Moment: Unreleased Magic

Midway through the performance, Burna Boy treated the audience to something truly special—an unreleased song that's likely to appear on his next album. "I've never played this for anyone outside the studio," he admitted, guitar in hand. "But it feels right to share it here, with you guys."

The song, tentatively titled "Port Harcourt Nights," was a nostalgic tribute to his hometown, with lyrics about late-night drives, childhood memories, and the dreams that carried him from the streets of Garden City to global stages. The audience sat in rapt silence, many wiping away tears as the raw honesty of the performance filled the room.

The Band: Musical Excellence

Burna Boy was joined by a select group of musicians who brought new life to his catalog. The band included renowned guitarist Femi Leye, bassist Michael Olatunji, and percussionist Wale Owoade. Their chemistry was evident from the first note, creating a musical landscape that was both familiar and refreshingly new.

Special guest appearances added to the magic. Tems joined Burna for a duet version of "Higher," their voices blending in perfect harmony. The collaboration was spontaneous but felt like it had been rehearsed for months—a testament to the musical connection between two of Nigeria's most innovative artists.

The Interview: Candid Conversation

After the musical set, VoiceFM's head presenter, Adaora Ukoh, sat down with Burna for an intimate interview that covered everything from his Grammy win to his plans for the future.

When asked about the pressure of success, Burna was introspective. "Success is strange," he mused. "It's everything you dreamed of, but it also comes with expectations. Sometimes I miss the days when I could just make music without wondering how it would be received globally. But then I remember why I started doing this—to connect with people, to tell our stories to the world."

On the topic of his next album, he was deliberately vague but passionate. "I'm in a different space now. The music reflects that growth. It's still Afrobeats, but it's also more personal, more experimental. I'm not trying to repeat what worked before—I'm trying to discover what's next."

The Fans: Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience

The 50 fans in attendance won their spots through a VoiceFM competition that received over 10,000 entries. Each winner was allowed to bring one guest, creating an intimate audience of true music lovers who appreciated the rarity of the moment.

"I've been a Burna Boy fan since 'Like to Party' days," said 24-year-old Chinyere Nwankwo, who traveled from Port Harcourt for the event. "To see him this close, to hear his stories, to watch him perform with such vulnerability—it's something I'll never forget. Thank you, VoiceFM, for making this possible."

The Technical Excellence

Behind the scenes, VoiceFM's technical team worked miracles to ensure the performance was captured in pristine quality. Using state-of-the-art recording equipment and multiple camera angles, the session was recorded for future broadcast and possible release.

"We wanted this to sound as good as it felt to be there," explained Chief Engineer, Kayode Williams. "Every nuance of Burna's performance, every subtle interaction with the band, every reaction from the audience—we captured it all. This isn't just a radio session; it's a piece of musical history."

What's Next: VoiceFM Live Sessions Series

The Burna Boy session marks the beginning of VoiceFM's new Live Sessions series, which will bring Nigeria's biggest artists into our intimate studio setting for exclusive performances. Already confirmed for upcoming sessions include Davido, Tiwa Savage, and Rema.

"This is our commitment to celebrating Nigerian music in all its forms," says VoiceFM Station Manager, Funke Akindele. "We've always been at the forefront of promoting local talent, and these Live Sessions will showcase the depth and diversity of Nigerian musical excellence. We're not just playing music—we're creating experiences that connect artists and fans in meaningful ways."

How to Experience the Session

For those who couldn't attend, don't worry—the Burna Boy Live Session will be broadcast in its entirety on VoiceFM 89.9 this Sunday at 8 PM. The performance will also be available on our website and YouTube channel starting Monday morning.

Additionally, limited edition vinyl recordings of the session will be available for purchase, with proceeds supporting young, aspiring musicians through the VoiceFM Music Foundation.

Join the Conversation

The response to the Burna Boy Live Session has been overwhelming, with #VoiceFMLiveSessions trending across social media platforms. We want to hear from you! Share your favorite moments, your reactions, and what you'd like to see in future sessions.

Follow us on Instagram @voicefm899, Twitter @VoiceFM89.9, and Facebook @VoiceFM899 for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, photos, and updates about upcoming Live Sessions.

Want to be part of our next Live Session audience? Stay tuned to VoiceFM 89.9 and follow our social media channels for announcements about upcoming competitions and ticket opportunities. This is just the beginning of something extraordinary, and you won't want to miss what comes next.

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