Though the press were in attendance, the listening party for Burna Boy’s forthcoming album, Outside was largely an intimate affair. Through the night, Burna and host Douglas Jekan hung out with friends and family who were invited to the private first listening party at the WéRé House in Lekki, Lagos.

Photos of cover arts from Burna Boy’s music releases were displayed as well as his face on NATIVE’s first print issue, Burna Reborn. Food and drinks were made available for everyone, including Burna Boy’s favourite meal, Port Harcourt’s Bole and fish, served out of a makeshift grill in the trunk of a Peugeot 504.

Beat FM’s Douglas Jekan played host for the night, leading Burna Boy through a series of questions to give an inside perspective on the album’s creation. Burna Boy was in a cheerful mood,  he gave inside scoops on the project; “Where I’m From” as his favourite and most personal track, the infamous trip to Port Harcourt that led to “City Vibration” and his experience working with Drake and his producer, 40′ Shebib on “More Life”, the album’s opening track.

Some of the personalities in attendance include, Burna Boy’s Grandfather, Benson Idonije, his mother, his sister, Davido, Phyno, Skales, Idia Aisien, Nonso Bassey, Odunsi The Engine, Idyl, Leriq, DJ Lambo, Chopstix and DJ Spinall. Pictures were taken after the listening party as everyone seemed in high spirit after listening to the project—a testament of the album’s appeal.

The album is set to be released on all digital music platforms on the 26th of January under Atlantic Records. While we anticipate its release, scroll a bit lower to see some of the shots from the listening party.

You are meeting Debola at a strange time in his life. He wandered into a dream and lost his way back. Tweet at him @debola_abimbolu

ICYMI: Slow wine to Burna Boy and J Hus’ “Sekkle Down”