Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy has addressed the controversy surrounding his performance at the #GreaterLagosCountdown2025, following criticism for abruptly leaving the stage.
Taking to his Instagram Stories on Wednesday, Burna Boy explained the circumstances of his exit.
“It was a free show. I was supposed to do 10 minutes and did almost an hour,” he wrote.
The singer expressed frustration over a fan’s action of jumping on stage uninvited, reiterating his rule against being startled during performances.
“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,” he said.
In his statement, Burna Boy further cautioned fans to respect his boundaries, referencing a personal struggle.
“Don’t jump on my stage like that! I got PTSD. I love you all. Happy New Year,” he concluded.
The incident, which occurred during the highly anticipated event in Lagos, saw a fan storming the stage mid-performance.
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Security personnel swiftly removed the fan, but the artist paused and subsequently left the stage without explanation, leaving many attendees stunned.
The reaction on social media has been divisive. While some fans have criticised Burna Boy for what they perceive as arrogance, and being rude, others defended his actions, pointing out his repeated warnings against such behaviour.
One critic on social media, tweeting as #ibrahimmalcolm, wrote, “Just pride and arrogance, somewhat disrespect to the very audience he’s ‘performing’ for.”
Another user, #MeziaAbia, added, “If not pride, what is it? Someone paid you for a show, and you left halfway because a fan jumped on the stage to touch you.”
However, others supported the artist, citing the need for fans to respect boundaries.
“Why people no dey hear word? En don talk am severally, make dem no try dey jump on stage when en dey there,” wrote #LoganSaman50828.