“When my daughter Phoebe heard I was coming to Nigeria, she said, ‘You’re lucky to go see Burna Boy and Rema,’” Gates said.
By Jeffrey Agbo
Billionaire Bill Gates has admitted doing a quick research about Afrobeat singers, Burna Boy and Rema, ahead of his trip to Nigeria.
Mr Gates, the co-chair of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, stated this on Wednesday in Lagos at a forum with students and young innovators from Nigeria.
He said his daughter, Phoebe, prompted his search following her excitement about both artistes.
According to him, his 20-year-old child raised the possibility of him meeting the Afrobeat musicians when she learnt he would be visiting Nigeria for the first time since 2018.
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“Of course, being here in Nigeria, I can’t help but mention the amazing creativity that goes on here.
“Afrobeats from Nigeria are popular everywhere. When my daughter Phoebe heard I was coming to Nigeria, she said, ‘You’re lucky to go see Burna Boy and Rema,’” Gates said.
The Microsoft co-founder quipped about having to look up the artistes “because I’m so hip.”
“But I also remember, the last time I was here, I did get to see Davido and Wizkid perform and I was quite impressed with that. So, my kids think I’ve come to a very hip place,” Gates said.
The billionaire spoke on the theme ‘Advancing Africa: Unleashing the Power of Youth in Science and Innovation. The event was co-hosted by the Lagos Business School and Co-Creation Hub (CcHub) in partnership with Africa.com and Channels Television.