There’s a palpable excitement whenever Burna Boy drops new music, and his latest offering, “No Sign of Weakness,” is no exception.1 Released late Thursday, July 10, through Spaceship Records, Bad Habit, and Atlantic Records, this 16-track LP marks his eighth studio album and feels like a powerful new chapter for the global superstar.2
The project already boasts some familiar rhythms, including previously released singles like “Bundle by Bundle,” “Update,” “Sweet Love,” “TaTaTa” (featuring Travis Scott), and “Change Your Mind” (featuring Shaboozey).3 We’ve already seen these tracks make waves, with “TaTaTa” hitting No. 2 on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart, and both “Bundle by Bundle” and “Update” reaching No. 5. But “No Sign of Weakness” also brings some exciting fresh collaborations, notably with music legend Mick Jagger on “Empty Chairs” and the innovative Stromae on “Pardon.” These features hint at the album’s expansive sonic landscape.4
“Extrospective” Insights and Global Ambition
In a recent cover story with Billboard France, Burna Boy offered a fascinating insight into the album’s core. He described it as “extrospective,” explaining, “It’s not just about me but about looking outward, reflecting on the world, and how my experiences connect to the bigger picture. It’s about growth, understanding, and challenging perceptions while staying true to who I am.” This perspective suggests a project that’s not only deeply personal but also critically engaged with the world around him, inviting listeners to join him on a journey of reflection and self-discovery.
“No Sign of Weakness” arrives two years after his highly acclaimed album I Told Them…, which earned a Grammy nomination for Best Global Music Album at the 2024 awards.5 Its hit singles “City Boys” and “Sittin’ On Top of the World” (with the 21 Savage remix) also garnered Grammy nods for Best African Music Performance and Best Melodic Rap Performance, respectively.6 With such a strong track record, expectations for this new album are understandably high.
Burna Boy is wasting no time bringing “No Sign of Weakness” to the stage.7 He’s headlining the third and final night of Afro Nation Portugal tonight at the Lit Stage, giving fans the very first opportunity to experience these new songs live shortly after their release.8 Looking ahead, he’s set to kick off his headlining “No Sign of Weakness Tour” in November at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado – a historic moment as he becomes the first Nigerian artist to headline that legendary venue.9 The 17-date trek will then take him through major cities including Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, Boston, and Atlanta, before wrapping up with two dates at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, on December 17 and 18.10
It’s clear that with “No Sign of Weakness,” Burna Boy is not only continuing his incredible musical evolution but also solidifying his position as a global force. What are your initial thoughts on the new album, and which track are you most excited to hear live on tour?. Listen below the new release: