Burna Boy issues on-stage apology as backlash sparks tour cancellations

Burna Boy Issues Public Apology After Backlash and Tour Cancellations

Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy, born Damini Ogulu, has issued a public apology following days of intense criticism and reports of declining ticket sales linked to a recent controversy during his U.S. tour.

The uproar began after an incident at his concert in Denver, Colorado, where Burna Boy paused mid-performance after spotting a woman sleeping in the front row. He asked security to escort her out and warned her boyfriend to remove her or risk having the show cut short. The moment, captured on video, quickly went viral and sparked outrage across social media.

Tensions escalated further when an older clip resurfaced, showing the Grammy winner declaring that he prefers wealthy supporters and does not rely on anyone for help. The video reignited conversations about his attitude toward fans, with many expressing disappointment and even calling for boycotts of his upcoming shows.

The controversy has coincided with unexpected disruptions to his No Sign of Weakness U.S. tour. Ticketmaster confirmed that his November 28, 2025 show at The Armory in Minneapolis was cancelled just a day before the scheduled date. His Chicago concert, slated for December 1, was also abruptly called off, fueling speculation about the impact of the backlash on ticket sales.

Amid the growing criticism, a new video from his recent performance in Texas appears to show Burna Boy addressing the situation directly. While performing, he paused to apologise to the audience, admitting that his previous statements were wrong and clarifying that he never intended to offend anyone.

The apology marks Burna Boy’s first public attempt to mend his relationship with fans since the controversy erupted, though uncertainty still surrounds the remaining dates of his tour.