Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy has addressed the onstage incident that occurred during his performance at the Greater Lagos Countdown 2025, following a fan’s breach of security that led to an abrupt end to his set.
The altercation, which was captured in a viral video, unfolded when a fan ran toward the stage while Burna Boy was in the middle of his performance.
The fan’s unexpected actions startled the artist, prompting him to abruptly leave the stage in frustration. The moment quickly garnered widespread attention on social media, sparking a flurry of reactions from fans and critics alike.
While many fans expressed their disappointment over the incident, others condemned Burna Boy’s actions, accusing him of arrogance and disrespect toward his Nigerian fanbase.
The backlash, especially from those who had been eagerly awaiting the performance, raised questions about the artist’s treatment of his audience.
In an attempt to clarify his stance, Burna Boy took to Instagram on Wednesday, offering his explanation for the incident. He posted a message on his Instagram story, where he emphasized the importance of respecting his space while on stage.
“It was a free show. I was supposed to do 10 minutes and did almost an hour. Everybody knows my rule about getting on stage and startling me when I’m performing. I had an amazing time with Lagos state last night. Don’t jump on my stage like that. I got PTSD. I love you all. Happy New Year,” Burna Boy wrote, addressing both the fans and the critics.
The reference to “PTSD” (post-traumatic stress disorder) was an intriguing aspect of his message, suggesting that the artist may have experienced a traumatic event in the past related to onstage security breaches or disruptions.
It is unclear whether Burna Boy was alluding to past incidents in his career, but his statement underscored the importance of maintaining a level of safety and order during his performances.
Despite the controversy, many of Burna Boy’s fans expressed their support for the artist, echoing his sentiment about the need for personal boundaries during live performances.
Some fans also pointed out that the star had already gone above and beyond by extending his performance time far beyond the originally scheduled 10 minutes.
The incident has sparked ongoing discussions about the behavior of both artists and fans at live events. In an era where concerts are often marked by high energy and interaction, the line between admiration and intrusion can sometimes blur.
While fans are eager to engage with their idols, artists like Burna Boy are also entitled to a sense of security and comfort during their performances.
As the dust settles on the altercation, the incident serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in live performances, where the dynamics between artist and audience play a critical role in shaping the overall experience.
For now, Burna Boy has reiterated his love for his fans, emphasizing his continued connection to Lagos and Nigeria as he starts the year.
The Greater Lagos Countdown 2025, despite this setback, remains a major cultural event, and Burna Boy’s clarification will likely be a talking point in the days to come as the artist continues to make waves on the global stage.
