Nigerian Afrobeat superstar Burna Boy has finally addressed the widespread criticism following a viral incident where he had a sleeping woman removed from his concert venue. The Grammy-winning artist broke his silence during an Instagram Live session, expressing no regret for his controversial action.
The Viral Concert Incident
The controversy began when video footage circulated online showing security personnel escorting a female fan out of Burna Boy's performance. The woman had apparently dozed off during the high-energy show, catching the attention of the "African Giant" singer himself.
What Burna Boy didn't know at the time was the heartbreaking backstory behind the fan's behavior. The ejected woman later explained that she was experiencing severe emotional exhaustion following the recent death of her daughter's father. She revealed that attending the concert with a VIP ticket was her attempt to find solace and temporary escape from her grief.
The emotional trauma was compounded by the public humiliation of being removed from the event, making an already difficult situation even more painful for the grieving mother.
Burna Boy's Unapologetic Response
After days of remaining silent amid growing social media backlash, Burna Boy took to Instagram Live to defend his actions. The artist was characteristically unapologetic, questioning why people were offended on the woman's behalf.
In his distinctive pidgin English style, Burna Boy declared: "I tell you say make una be my fans? Abeg oh, this period we dey find fans wey get money."
The musician emphasized that nobody is forced to be his fan, particularly those who cannot match the energetic atmosphere of his live performances. He stressed that his concerts are specifically designed for attendees who can actively participate and engage with the show's vibrant energy.
Burna Boy made it clear he felt no remorse about his decision to have the sleeping woman removed, reinforcing his position that his artistic vision and concert experience take priority.
Mixed Reactions from Fans and Critics
The incident has sparked intense debate across social media platforms, with fans and critics divided in their responses to Burna Boy's defense.
Some supporters backed the artist's stance, like social media user @naughtyfancyy who commented: "He knows his audience! No real outsider would be in his show and be sleeping! Sleep ke??? wey 23 Dey play?!"
However, many others criticized the lack of empathy shown by the musician. User @dark_jadeite offered perspective: "Maybe y'all supporting him should look for the lady's comment online. She just lost her child's father she was mourning and decided to get a vip ticket to the show so she could feel better. Learn to put people in your shoes. And stop supporting bad behavior."
Another critical voice, @onyegbuleonweyyya, suggested that the laughter heard in Burna Boy's Instagram Live might not be genuine: "They are laughing, not because what Burna said is funny, but because if they don't laugh, they will not be allowed to come around and chill."
The incident has reignited discussions about celebrity responsibility and the relationship between artists and their fanbase in Nigeria's vibrant music industry.
Broader Context: Burna Boy's Current Projects
This controversy emerges as Burna Boy continues to promote his latest album, "No Sign of Weakness," which was released on Friday, July 11, 2025. The project has received mixed reviews, including sharp criticism from controversial social media commentator Daniel Regha.
Regha's no-holds-barred assessment of the new album has sparked intense debates across music communities, adding another layer to the ongoing conversations about Burna Boy's artistry and public persona.
As the discussion continues to evolve, the incident highlights the complex dynamics between celebrity artists and their supporters in the digital age, where every action can quickly become viral content and subject to public scrutiny.
