Burna Boy Fires Back After Facing Backlash Over Free Show Plans in Burkina Faso
Burna Boy is making it clear—he’s not here for the noise, especially when it comes to doing good for Africa.
The Nigerian music heavyweight recently shared his frustration after getting flak from a group of online critics who didn’t support his idea of putting on a free concert in Burkina Faso. What was meant to be a generous gesture quickly turned into a heated online debate.
In a now-viral post shared via NSOW TV’s Instagram story, Burna didn’t hold back. He admitted that while many people supported the idea, the negativity caught him off guard.
“I said I wanted to do a free show in Burkina Faso and while many people were excited, some others just said things that blew my mind—in a bad way,” he wrote.
Then he got personal.
In his message, Burna Boy slammed those who sit behind phones making noise without ever contributing anything meaningful. He questioned why anyone would try to dictate how or where he uses his influence on the continent he calls home.
“You’ve never done anything for Africa, but you want to tell me how I should show up for my people?” he said. “I don’t owe anyone anything, and I have nothing to gain—but I still choose to do the right thing.”
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As the statement heated up, Burna made it known that his principles aren’t up for debate, even telling his harshest critics to “burn in hell” for spreading negativity.
This reaction came shortly after some critics argued that hosting a major concert might distract from political tensions in Burkina Faso. The country is currently under military rule, led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who came into power through a coup in 2022. Traoré’s strong anti-imperialist stance has made him a symbolic figure across much of Africa’s youth.
Although Burna’s show in Burkina Faso may now be off the table, his 2025 is still packed. Just this year, he became the first African artist to sell out the massive 80,000-seat Stade de France in Paris and made history again by filling Manchester’s Coop Live Arena—the largest indoor venue in the UK.
Up next? Fans are counting down to his 8th studio album, No Sign of Weakness, set to drop later this year.
Whether on stage or online, one thing’s for sure—Burna Boy won’t be silenced.
