Burna Boy Fires Back at Critics Over Planned Free Concert in Burkina Faso
Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy is making headlines once again—this time, not for his music, but for his unfiltered response to criticism over his intention to perform a free concert in Burkina Faso.
In a bold message shared via NSOW TV’s Instagram story, the Grammy-winning artist expressed his shock and disappointment at the backlash he received. Burna Boy had announced his plans to give back to the people of Burkina Faso with a free show, a gesture he described as coming from a place of love. However, some critics claimed the move was ill-timed and inappropriate, given the country’s current political situation.
The Nigerian megastar did not hold back in his reaction. In a fiery statement, he called out those questioning his motives and right to perform anywhere on the African continent.
“I said I wanted to do a free show in Burkina Faso and I got a lot of positivity, but at the same time, surprisingly, some morons said a lot of unbelievably negative [stuff] that had me in shock,” Burna Boy wrote.
He went on to address his critics directly:
“I’m sorry, but YOU are not qualified to even speak my name if your only contribution to this world is typing dumb comments or talking into your cheap ring light and phone.
How can you tell me what to do for any part of my home—AFRICA—when nobody in the history of your family tree has done anything significant or even at all for any part of Africa or even planet Earth as a whole?
I have nothing to gain from anybody, and I don’t owe anyone anything, but that never stopped me from doing the great work I do; my integrity is unquestionable.
Therefore, burn in hell if you said anything negative.”
Burna Boy’s emotional response highlights the intensity of the debate that followed his initial announcement. While many fans and supporters applauded his generosity and pan-African mindset, others felt the concert was a distraction from the ongoing political reforms in Burkina Faso, led by military ruler Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
Traoré, who came to power in 2022 following a military coup, has become a polarizing figure. His anti-imperialist stance and push for African self-determination have earned him significant admiration across the continent, especially among the youth. Some critics argued that a high-profile concert might dilute the country’s political message or shift focus from more pressing local issues.
Despite the controversy, Burna Boy remains focused on his music and global impact. Although it now appears unlikely that he will perform in Burkina Faso, 2025 has already been a landmark year for the artist.
Earlier this year, he sold out the 80,000-seat Stade de France in Paris, becoming the first African artist to achieve the feat. He also made history as the first African musician to headline The Coop Live Arena in Manchester, the largest indoor venue in the UK.
As fans await his highly anticipated 8th studio album No Sign of Weakness, expected later this year, Burna Boy’s message is clear: he will continue to make his mark, whether on stage or through his unwavering belief in a united Africa.
