Gabriel Halliday (born April 11, 1988), better known by his stage name Slim Burna is a Nigerian rapper, dancehall artist and record producer from Bonny, Rivers state, Nigeria in West Africa. Gabriel was born in Essex, UK. He returned to Nigeria with his family when he was just two years old. He grew up in different districts in Port-Harcourt city, Trans Amadi and Orazi but has been living in D/Line for over 17years.
Growing up in a family composed mainly of girls, Slim Burna said he was forced to listen to songs from artists like, Tracy Chapman, Boy 2 Men, Michael Jackson and Keith Sweat, but those songs didn't really interest him until he listened to 2pac, Bone Thugs n Harmony, Shaggy, Dmx, Eminem, Cypress Hill, Wu-Tang Clan, and Ruff Ryders. Thatís when he fell in love with Hiphop and decided to start writing his songs
During his early years in the music industry, Gabrielís childhood friends gave him the name "Slim Burna" meaning "the slim bone that burns". His previous releases include ìWhatz ur nameî, ìIs 4 uî, ìI like to move itî, ìKpasimaî and ìHighness Madnessî.
Slim Burna rose to fame in 2009 he released a re-make of ìOyoyoî (a track originally recorded by J Martins) which was featured in several mixtapes put together by Naija DJs Coalition.
The single became an instant hit. "Oyoyo" is a childhood slang in Nigeria used when the child's mum has returned home (mummy oyoyo).
Slim Burna said he decided to do the re-make of ìOyoyoî because he felt the song wasn't complete.