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Joey Akan criticizes Burna Boy’s ‘African Giant’ exit as self-destruction
Celebrated Nigerian music journalist Joey Akan has delivered a blistering takedown of Burna Boy, accusing the Grammy-winning star of abandoning the very African identity that fueled his rise to global stardom.
The commentary follows Burna Boy’s cryptic social media post earlier this week, where he declared that the “African Giant” had died and was now replaced by a new persona: “Big 7,” described as a self-protective creation born from heartbreak. The message shocked fans and stirred intense debate, but Joey Akan’s response has taken the discourse to another level.
In a fiery thread posted on X, Joey challenged Burna Boy’s claim that he was “betrayed” by his people, calling it a revisionist narrative.
He argued that the African Giant’s demise was self-inflicted, the result of what he termed “an overdose of success.”
“The ‘African Giant’ wasn’t killed by his people. It was suicide,” Joey wrote. “Success came, and with it, a superiority complex. Slowly, Burna Boy distanced himself from the very culture and fanbase that gave him a platform.”
Joey revisited several controversies in Burna Boy’s post-fame journey—from publicly insulting Nigerian fans and calling local culture ‘substance-less’ to aggressive altercations at concerts and blaming audiences for his frustrations.
He argued that the singer’s behavior has grown increasingly narcissistic, portraying criticism as betrayal and alienating the local audience.
“You cut yourself and bled on Nigerians. And when we protested, you called us poor,” he added, referencing Burna’s now-infamous online jabs.
Once lauded as the voice of African resilience and pride, Joey suggests Burna Boy has turned his back on that identity.
His current phase, marked by selective concert performances and cryptic branding, is described as guarded, aloof, and detached from his roots.
The journalist concluded his commentary with a poignant observation:
“You used to sing for us. Now, you sing despite us.”
Joey’s critique has sparked heated conversations online, with fans split between those defending Burna’s artistic evolution and others echoing the journalist’s concerns over fame’s alienating effects.
As Burna Boy leans deeper into his Big 7 era, the rift between local loyalty and global ambition seems more visible than ever—raising the question: Can you be a global giant and still stay grounded in the soil that raised you?
"African Giant" was not killed by 'his people.' It was suicide. Suicide induced by an abundance of success.
After advocating for his people on a successful protest-esque project, Burna Boy's subsequent ascent into global pop recognition came with a personal realisation that his…
— Joey Akan (@JoeyAkan) May 22, 2025