By AfricaLiveNews
The highly anticipated ‘No Sign of Weakness’ US Tour by Grammy-winning Nigerian superstar Burna Boy suffered a major setback on Thursday following the abrupt cancellation of his scheduled performance at The Armory in Minneapolis. The show, initially slated for Friday, November 28, 2025, was cancelled at the last minute after fans failed to purchase enough tickets to sustain the event.
The announcement came directly from Ticketmaster, the official ticketing service for the concert. The platform updated the event page on Thursday morning, notifying fans that the Minneapolis stop had been cancelled, with options for refunds and account credits.
The setback did not end there. Another stop on the tour — the December 1, 2025 concert in Chicago — was also cancelled shortly after, raising questions about the overall state of the tour and the factors contributing to the sudden drop in audience turnout.
A sudden turn for a global star
Burna Boy, known worldwide for chart-topping hits such as Last Last, Ye, On the Low, and City Boys, has long been celebrated for his electrifying stage presence and massive global fan base. His concerts across Europe, the US, and Africa have historically sold out within days, with thousands of fans often scrambling for limited seats.
However, the unexpected cancellation of two consecutive shows marks a surprising shift for an artist who has dominated international music charts and headlined some of the world’s biggest stages — including Madison Square Garden, London Stadium, and the Paris La Défense Arena.
While the tour organisers did not provide an official explanation for the Minneapolis and Chicago cancellations, industry observers and fans have pointed to ongoing public backlash surrounding recent controversies involving the singer.
The Colorado controversy: A PR storm that refused to settle
Just weeks before the Minneapolis show, a viral incident at one of Burna Boy’s concerts in Colorado ignited heated debates online. A widely shared video showed the singer pausing his performance to walk out a couple who appeared to be sleeping during his set.
In the footage, Burna Boy called out the pair before asking security to escort them out of the venue. The video divided opinion: while some believed concertgoers should respect performers, many criticised the artist for handling the situation harshly.
The debate intensified when Burna Boy addressed the issue during an Instagram Live session, stating:
“I only want supporters who buy my tickets and not fans.”
The comment was seen by many as dismissive and further fuelled criticism.
The narrative took an emotional turn when reports emerged that the woman who fell asleep during the performance was grieving a recent personal loss. This revelation generated sympathy for the couple and deepened the scrutiny surrounding Burna Boy’s actions.
Could the backlash be affecting ticket sales?
Neither Burna Boy nor his management has directly connected the cancellations to the Colorado incident. However, entertainment analysts suggest that negative publicity can influence ticket sales, especially in markets where fans weigh personal sentiments alongside entertainment choices.
Several social media users claimed that ticket prices for the US tour were unusually high compared to other Afrobeats concerts, a factor that may have discouraged potential attendees. Others pointed to stiff competition from major tours happening across the US during the same period.
While these remain speculative, the timing of the cancellations suggests that the controversies surrounding Burna Boy may have compounded existing challenges.
Burna Boy confirms cancellation
Amid intense discussions online, Burna Boy posted on his Instagram Story on Friday morning, sharing a direct link from the ticketing website showing that both the Minneapolis and Chicago shows had officially been cancelled.
He did not add any further remarks, but the confirmation signalled his awareness of the situation and its implications.
Fan reaction: Disappointment, shock, and concern
Reactions to the cancellations have been mixed. Some fans expressed deep disappointment, particularly those who had made travel arrangements or purchased accommodations in anticipation of the show. Others worried about the fate of the remaining tour dates.
A portion of fans defended the artist, insisting that cancellations happen to major global performers for various reasons — from production delays to logistical challenges.
Entertainment commentators, however, argue that back-to-back cancellations on a major US tour raise important questions about strategy, pricing, publicity, and audience engagement.
What this means for the ‘No Sign of Weakness’ tour
The cancellations of the Minneapolis and Chicago shows represent a pivotal moment for Burna Boy’s ongoing US tour. It remains unclear whether further dates will be affected or whether adjustments will be made to pricing, promotion, or scheduling.
Fans in other cities are now closely monitoring updates from Burna Boy’s team, Ticketmaster, and venue organisers to understand what comes next.
For now, the African Giant has maintained silence beyond confirming the cancellations — leaving his global audience waiting for clarity on the future of the tour.
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