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Burna Boy tells critics who don’t want him to perform in Burkina Faso to burn in hell
Grammy-winning Nigerian superstar Burna Boy has issued a fiery response to critics who opposed his plan to stage a free concert in Burkina Faso, a country currently navigating a complex political climate.
In a strongly worded message posted to the Instagram story of NSOW TV, Burna Boy expressed shock at the backlash he received after expressing interest in giving a free performance in the West African nation.
While his announcement initially received widespread support, some online commentators condemned the move, labeling it an unnecessary distraction given Burkina Faso’s current political state.
Burna Boy didn’t hold back in his rebuttal.
“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 shit that had me in shock,” he began.
The artist criticized what he called the “cheap opinions” of online detractors, emphasizing that his desire to perform across Africa comes from a place of passion and principle, not personal gain.
“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,” he wrote.
He further stated:
“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?”
Doubling down on his commitment to positive impact, Burna Boy added:
“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 offer to perform in Burkina Faso came earlier in May, amid rising global attention on the country’s young and charismatic military leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who took power in a 2022 coup.
Traoré’s anti-imperialist stance and sweeping reforms have won admiration among youth across Africa, who view him as a modern revolutionary.
However, some critics argue that large-scale entertainment events could detract from the serious political reforms underway, with security concerns and governance challenges still prevalent.
Despite the backlash, Burna Boy’s initial proposal was seen by many as a bold gesture of solidarity with a fellow African nation — one that aligns with his broader pan-African ideals and outspoken pride in the continent.
Although it now appears unlikely that the concert in Burkina Faso will go ahead, Burna Boy remains active in what has been a busy 2025 tour schedule.
His upcoming performances across Europe, North America, and other African countries continue to draw massive crowds, reinforcing his status as one of the most influential African artists of his generation.
Known for his unapologetic stances, Burna Boy’s latest clash with critics is a reminder of his fierce loyalty to Africa — and his refusal to be silenced in matters that he believes in deeply.