Grammy Award-winning Nigerian singer, Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, has once again found himself at the centre of controversy following a dramatic incident at his concert in Denver, United States, on Wednesday night.
The global Afrobeats superstar shocked fans when he abruptly paused his performance midway to confront a couple seated near the front row. According to reports and several viral videos circulating on social media, Burna Boy stopped the music and expressed anger after allegedly spotting a woman sleeping during his energetic set.
“When I stand up here [on the stage] and see you over there with your girl sleeping in the front of me, it pisses me the fk up,” the visibly irritated singer said into the microphone. “So, please, take her the fk home. Walahi, I’m not performing another song till you go home.”
The unexpected outburst stunned the audience as Burna Boy pointed directly at the couple. Initially, the pair appeared reluctant to leave, with the lady seemingly embarrassed by the public call-out. However, the situation quickly escalated as members of the audience began chanting and urging the couple to exit the venue, aligning with Burna Boy’s demand.
Witnesses said the singer stood his ground and refused to continue performing until the couple left. After a few tense moments, the couple eventually walked out of the concert hall, prompting cheers from some sections of the crowd. Burna Boy then resumed his set as though nothing had happened, continuing with his usual high-energy performance.
The incident has since gone viral across X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok, drawing thousands of reactions from fans and critics worldwide. Many expressed disappointment, accusing Burna Boy of arrogance and insensitivity towards paying concertgoers. Others, however, defended the singer, arguing that his reaction reflected his passion for his craft and a desire for audience engagement during his live shows.
One fan commented on X, “Burna Boy went too far. People pay hundreds of dollars for tickets; he shouldn’t humiliate anyone just because they weren’t dancing or paying attention.”
Another user countered, “If you attend a Burna Boy concert, you should expect energy. His shows are not for sitting quietly or sleeping. He gives 100 percent, and he expects the same vibe from the crowd.”
This is not the first time Burna Boy has faced backlash for his treatment of fans during concerts. In 2022, the “Last Last” hitmaker made headlines after kicking a fan who ran on stage to hug him during a performance. In another incident, he reportedly asked a man to leave his show for standing still instead of dancing.
Over the years, Burna Boy has built a reputation for his fiery stage persona and outspoken attitude, which often blurs the line between confidence and controversy. While his supporters applaud his unapologetic approach and authenticity, critics describe him as egotistical and intolerant of differing audience behaviour.
Despite the uproar, Burna Boy continues to dominate the global music scene, performing to sold-out audiences across Europe and America. His latest world tour, I Told Them…, named after his 2023 album, has been praised for its impressive production quality and electrifying energy.
The Denver concert incident has, however, reignited conversations about the relationship between artists and fans — particularly whether performers have the right to eject attendees for perceived disrespect or disinterest. Entertainment analysts argue that while artists thrive on audience engagement, fans also have the freedom to experience live shows in their own way, provided they do not disrupt others.
“Performers feed off the crowd’s energy, but fans also pay for the experience,” one entertainment critic noted. “Burna Boy may have felt disrespected, but publicly humiliating fans can damage an artist’s reputation, especially in international markets.”
As the debate continues online, Burna Boy has yet to address the incident publicly. However, his name remains one of the top trending topics on social media, further cementing his image as both one of Africa’s most talented and most polarizing artists.
Regardless of public opinion, Burna Boy’s influence on the Afrobeats genre is undeniable. The Nigerian star has successfully bridged African music with global audiences, earning multiple awards, including a Grammy for Best Global Music Album in 2021. His blend of Afro-fusion, dancehall, reggae, and pop continues to redefine the sound of contemporary African music.
Still, fans are calling for more humility from the self-acclaimed “African Giant.” Many hope that he will address his treatment of fans and show greater tolerance for different audience reactions in future performances.
As the Denver incident trends across global entertainment platforms, one thing remains clear — Burna Boy knows how to keep the world talking, whether through his music or his onstage antics.
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— By Africa Live News Entertainment Desk
