Burna Boy

Burna Boy is under heavy criticism after a string of controversies, low turnouts and cancelled shows on his No Sign of Weakness US tour. What started as a highly anticipated concert series has now sparked conversations about attitude, fan respect, and the consequences of celebrity behaviour.

The wave of backlash began on November 12 at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado, where Burna Boy stopped his performance to single out a woman in the front row who appeared to be sleeping. He asked security to remove her before continuing. The moment went viral, drawing accusations of insensitivity.

The fan, later identified as Chaltu Jateny, said she attended the show to lift her spirits after losing her daughter’s father. “I have been mentally, physically and emotionally drained,” she wrote. “I came to his show to put a smile on my face.”

The fallout was immediate. His Houston show on November 22 reportedly struggled with attendance, with videos showing rows of empty seats. Another clip from the same show showed a woman sleeping during his set, reigniting the conversation about his earlier conduct.

Critics also resurfaced Burna Boy’s past comments, including a livestream where he said:
“Did I tell you all to be my fans? I am only looking for fans who have money.”

As reactions intensified, two tour dates scheduled for November 28 and December 1 were officially cancelled.

International voices joined the conversation.

  • Eminem commented on the Colorado incident: “Yo, this is not cool.”

  • Streamer Ryan Garcia remarked, “Without people, he isn’t a superstar. Life can humble anyone quickly.”

Online, fans urged him to apologise.
One user wrote, “He got away with it in Nigeria, but over there, they value dignity.”
Another added, “Just apologise and move on. Pride won’t help.”
Others warned the situation could derail his momentum: “He may never recover from another wrong move.”

Some critics went further, saying he should have performed “to an empty stadium” in Houston to learn humility.

Still, a few defended his significance to Afrobeats:
“He’s too important to the culture. He carries the dreams of millions. But when people come to commune with your art, their dignity must be respected.”

With several shows down, fans disappointed, and industry voices calling for accountability, Burna Boy now faces pressure to address the controversy and repair his relationship with the audience that helped make him a global star.