Burna Boy – Update. Lyrics & Meaning
Burna Boy – Update: The Unspoken Rules of the Hustle
Ever feel like you’re running a race you didn’t even know you signed up for? Like every time you look up, the goalposts have moved, and everyone’s speaking a new language of success you haven’t learned yet. You’re trying your best, hustling day in and day out, but it feels like the world is constantly demanding a newer, faster, shinier version of you. It’s exhausting, right?
Well, there’s a song that bottles up this exact feeling, shakes it with a dose of raw reality, and serves it over a beat that makes you want to both dance and grind harder. This track doesn’t just describe the pressure; it gives you the cheat . Let’s dive deep into a song that’s way more than just a vibe; it’s a full-on survival guide for the modern world.
- Gunna – wgft [ft. Burna Boy] : Finding Strength in the Storm
- Coldplay – WE PRAY [ft. Little Simz, Burna Boy, Elyanna, TINI] : A Universal Anthem of Hope
- Burna Boy – Update : The Unspoken Rules of the Hustle
- Burna Boy – Change Your Mind [ft. Shaboozey] : A Desperate Plea for a Second Chance
The Raw Truth in Burna Boy’s “Update”
From the moment “Update” kicks in, Burna Boy isn’t here to play games. He sets a serious tone with a simple, powerful chant: “Back to life, back to reality.” It’s a snap back to the present moment, a reminder that dreams are great, but the ‘here and now’ is where the work gets done. But the line that truly hits you in the chest comes right after:
If I no get money na disability
That’s not just a lyric; it’s a brutal piece of social commentary. Burna is laying it all out on the table. He’s saying that in the eyes of the world, being broke is more than just a temporary state—it’s treated like a handicap. It limits your movement, your voice, and how people see you. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but he’s not saying it to bring you down. He’s saying it to wake you up. He’s painting a vivid picture of a world where your financial status can unfortunately dictate your social standing and opportunities. It’s the unspoken rule of the game we’re all playing.
The “Gba Update” Mentality: More Than Just a Lyric
So, if a lack of money is a “disability,” what’s the cure? According to Burna, the answer is simple and direct. It’s the core message of the entire song, packed into one powerful phrase in Yoruba.
The Hustler’s Commandment
Gbá update k’ole pa’wo
Get the update so you can make money
This is it. This is the master key. “Update” isn’t just about ing the latest app on your phone. It’s a metaphor for staying sharp, staying informed, and adapting to survive and thrive. Are your skills outdated? Update them. Is your knowledge of the industry old news? Get the latest information. Are you stuck in old ways of thinking? It’s time for a mental system upgrade. Burna is telling us that to make money and escape that “disability,” you have to be constantly evolving. You can’t afford to be left behind. It’s a call to action to be smarter, faster, and more aware than your competition.
He sprinkles in other bits of local slang that add so much flavor and attitude to this message. When he says:
Apa, ab’orí n ta yin? (L’Eko)
Are you mad? Is your head hurting? (In Lagos)
…he’s talking directly to the doubters and the haters. It’s a dismissive, confident jab that says, “You must be crazy to question my energy or my hustle.” It’s the mindset of someone who is too focused on their own growth to be bothered by outside noise.
From the Grind to the Glory
The song isn’t just about the struggle, though. It’s also a celebration of what comes after the update. Burna paints a picture of the rewards that come from all that hard work. He’s not shy about enjoying the fruits of his labor, and why should he be?
Na my fruit of labour ni
Everyday, I dey spray money
This isn’t just bragging; it’s proof of concept. He’s showing us the “why” behind the hustle. The ability to “spray money” and enjoy life is the direct result of getting that “update.” He’s living the reality he fought for, a reality where he’s no longer seen as disabled by his circumstances but enabled by his success. He’s earned the special treatment he now receives, a stark contrast to the times when he was overlooked.
The ultimate message here is one of empowerment through self-improvement. “Update” is a raw and honest anthem for anyone on a journey of growth. It reminds us that while the world might have harsh rules, we have the power to learn them, adapt, and ultimately change our own reality. The song champions resilience, strategic thinking, and the unapologetic celebration of your hard-earned success.
So, what do you think? Does this song motivate you to get your own “update,” or do you see a different story in the lyrics? I’d love to hear your take on what Burna Boy is really saying. Let’s talk about it!
