Burna Boy, the Nigerian Afrofusion superstar, has a unique ability to blend infectious rhythms with deeply emotional lyrics. His music often explores love, heartbreak, and the lingering feelings that come after a breakup. If you’re missing your ex, Burna Boy’s discography has several tracks that perfectly capture that bittersweet nostalgia.
In this article, we’ll explore five Burna Boy songs that resonate with anyone reminiscing about a past love:
- Déjà Vu
- Dirty Secrets
- Last Last (obviously!)
- For My Hand
- Gum Body
Each of these tracks carries a different vibe—some are melancholic, some are regretful, and others are downright addictive anthems of moving on (or trying to). Let’s break them down.
1. Déjà Vu – The Haunting Feeling of Past Love
“Déjà Vu“ is one of Burna Boy’s most reflective songs about love and loss. The track, featured on his 2019 album African Giant, explores the strange sensation of meeting someone new who reminds you of an ex.
Why It Hits Hard When Missing an Ex
- The lyrics “Every time I see your face, I get déjà vu” perfectly capture how past relationships can linger in our minds.
- The smooth, mid-tempo production contrasts with the emotional weight of the lyrics, making it a perfect late-night reminiscence track.
- Burna Boy’s delivery is both nostalgic and resigned, as if he knows he can’t escape the memories.
If you’ve ever looked at someone new and been hit with a wave of memories about your ex, this song will hit home.
2. Dirty Secrets – The Regret of Unresolved Feelings
From his 2021 album Twice As Tall, “Dirty Secrets” is an underrated gem about hidden emotions and unresolved love.
Why It Resonates with Missing an Ex
- The song talks about “secrets we no fit talk about,” hinting at unspoken regrets and things left unsaid in a past relationship.
- Burna Boy’s tone is both vulnerable and frustrated, reflecting the internal battle of wanting to reach out but knowing it’s better to let go.
- The production is moody and atmospheric, amplifying the sense of longing.
If you’ve ever wanted to confess something to an ex but held back, “Dirty Secrets” will speak to you.
3. Last Last – The Ultimate Breakup Anthem
Of course, no list about missing an ex would be complete without “Last Last“—Burna Boy’s global smash hit from Love, Damini (2022). Sampling Toni Braxton’s “He Wasn’t Man Enough,” this song is the perfect blend of pain and vibes.
Why It’s the Go-To Song for Heartbreak
- The famous line “Na everybody go chop breakfast” (a Nigerian slang for “everyone will heal eventually”) is both a reassurance and a coping mechanism.
- The song flips between sadness (“I gave my all”) and defiance (“I move on”), mirroring the emotional rollercoaster of a breakup.
- The upbeat tempo makes it a song you can cry and dance to at the same time—ideal for when you’re trying to get over someone but still miss them.
If you’re nursing a broken heart, “Last Last” is your therapeutic anthem.
4. For My Hand (feat. Ed Sheeran) – A Hopeful Love Song with Lingering Feelings
While “For My Hand“ (from Love, Damini) is more of a romantic track, it still carries a sense of longing that can make you think of an ex—especially if you once imagined a future with them.
Why It Makes You Think of What Could’ve Been
- The lyrics “I wanna be in your life until the night is over” reflect deep commitment, which can sting if you once felt that way about someone who’s no longer in your life.
- The collaboration with Ed Sheeran adds a soft, melancholic touch, making it ideal for those moments when you wonder, “What if we had worked out?”
- The song’s dreamy production enhances the feeling of nostalgia.
If you miss the idea of what you and your ex could have been, “For My Hand” will hit differently.
5. Gum Body (feat. Jorja Smith) – The Push and Pull of Love
From African Giant, “Gum Body“ is about the addictive yet unstable nature of a relationship—something many people experience with an ex.
Why It Captures the Toxicity You Might Miss
- The term “gum body” refers to someone who sticks to you, even when you know you should let go.
- Burna Boy and Jorja Smith’s back-and-forth vocals mimic the push-and-pull dynamic of a love that’s hard to quit.
- The slow, hypnotic beat mirrors the feeling of being stuck in memories of a past relationship.
If you miss your ex but know it’s better to stay apart, “Gum Body” is the perfect soundtrack to that conflict.
Final Thoughts: Burna Boy Understands Heartbreak
Burna Boy’s music does more than just make you dance—it makes you feel. Whether it’s the regret in “Dirty Secrets,” the defiance in “Last Last,” or the dreamy nostalgia of “For My Hand,” his songs capture every emotion tied to missing an ex.
