Photographer Leon Photography has recounted a little-known story about Burna Boy’s early career, revealing how a failed attempt to secure a collaboration with Duncan Mighty reportedly left the then-rising singer in tears — before he boldly predicted that the tables would one day turn.
Photographer Leon Photography has sparked conversations online after sharing a story about a young Burna Boy and Nigerian music star Duncan Mighty dating back to around 2012.
According to Leon, he once took Burna Boy, who was still an emerging artiste at the time, to Duncan Mighty’s house in an attempt to help him secure a guest verse for his music.
However, the meeting reportedly did not go as the young artiste had hoped.
Duncan Mighty Turned Down Burna Boy’s Songs
Leon claimed that Duncan Mighty listened to Burna Boy’s unreleased songs but was not impressed with what he heard. According to the photographer, the Rivers-born star reportedly told Burna Boy that the songs did not sound good and that he was not interested in collaborating with him.
For Burna Boy, who was still trying to establish himself in the Nigerian music industry, the rejection was reportedly difficult to take.
Leon recalled that Burna Boy cried during the journey home in his mother’s Honda after the encounter.
Burna Boy Made a Bold Prediction
Despite the disappointment, Leon said the future African Giant did not allow the rejection to destroy his confidence.
According to the photographer, Burna Boy told him that a time would come when Duncan Mighty would be the one looking for him and requesting a collaboration.
Years later, Burna Boy went on to become one of Africa’s most internationally recognised artistes, winning a Grammy Award and building a global career.
The two artistes eventually collaborated on music, with Duncan Mighty featuring Burna Boy on the 2022 single “Nibolowa.” The collaboration came years after the encounter described by Leon.
A Story About Resilience and Self-Belief
Leon Photography’s account has generated reactions from fans who see the story as an example of Burna Boy’s confidence and determination during the early stages of his career.
The story also offers a different perspective on the unpredictable nature of the music industry, where an artiste who may initially be overlooked can eventually achieve international recognition.
Duncan Mighty has himself acknowledged Burna Boy’s impact on the sound and visibility of Port Harcourt music. In a 2025 interview, he named himself, Burna Boy, Timaya and Omah Lay among artistes who contributed to the foundation of the contemporary Port Harcourt-influenced Afrobeats sound.
Leon’s latest revelation has therefore revived interest in the relationship between two artistes whose paths eventually crossed professionally — and whose careers took very different turns over the years.
For many fans, the most striking part of the story remains Burna Boy’s alleged prediction: despite the rejection, he believed strongly enough in his own talent to imagine a future where the situation would be reversed.
