It seems the year has barely begun and we have got ourselves ‘ANOTHER STORY’ like Burna Boy’s song, which M.ANIFEST without the help of the Ghanaian act because he (Burna) was the story.
As you would guess, the world of social media was lit with the glory of ODOGWU’S actions at his just concluded ‘Lagos Love Damini’ concert held at Eko Energy City, on January 1st, 2023.
Not sure when these Artists & Organisers will learn to respect our precious time. 2:03 AM and no Burna Boy on sight. No supporting act. Even the DJ seem as tired as everyone else. Didn’t know we were in for a full Night Vigil. 🥱😔 https://t.co/pJnOAVktOu pic.twitter.com/JTwYCE8HxZ
— K (@unpr3dictabl3K) January 2, 2023
I’ve descended from VVIP section. Leaving before show ends. Don’t wanna be trapped in stampede and squashed exiting til 7am or even 9. This is my last video of Burna Boy as I leave. #LagosLovesDamini pic.twitter.com/wxz5csniPa
— KIKI MELISSA (@TheKikiMelissa) January 2, 2023
DEFLECTING. What Nigerian musician hasn’t had degrading rumors spread about them? Your fans bought tickets to see you, you delayed them for over 9hrs and defended yourself with this? Shame #burnaboy #nigerians #LagosLovesDamini https://t.co/S6IchI5tt1
— THE BEAUTY BAIL -look it up! (@AlreadyLammie) January 2, 2023
I really hope this crowd don’t let Burna Boy perform.
— ADEAYO (@ade_adeayo) January 2, 2023
They need to put their foot down and tell him to fuck off.
I for one will walk out once he starts performing.
Burna Boy made unsavoury comments to his fans after his fans waited for several hours for him to come on stage and perform. These comments did not sit well with fans and critics alike.
“I don dey here since 9…”
— 🐬 @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) January 2, 2023
It’s time to start calling out Nigerian show promoters for shoddiness. pic.twitter.com/D0rya8XFPx
😭
— 🐬 @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) January 2, 2023
“Say Burna Boy joorh… If na you be me, you no go come back” pic.twitter.com/kF7ZQYeh99
Many music heads have called him out on his digs at his fans, particularly music journalist Joey Akan, in a series of tweets he gave his insights on the matter, criticizing Burna Boy’s attitude towards his fans, the complacency of the fans, the industry and the hypocrisy of Nigerian acts in regards to their performances on foreign climes compared to their performances on home soil.
Burna Boy to White People: “My Africans are suffering. Dance to my music, brand me a reformer and reward me financially.
— Joey Akan (@JoeyAkan) January 2, 2023
Burna Boy to the suffering Africans: “God punish una.”
Let me tell you why it hurts me that you people don’t rate yourselves and your contributions to these artists.
— Joey Akan (@JoeyAkan) January 2, 2023
You guys might not put dollars in their pockets, but na una dey tell the world say the music sweet.
Na una stories and identity them dey sell.
Nigerians prayed and worked for Afrobeats to the world to happen. And God answered o.
— Joey Akan (@JoeyAkan) January 2, 2023
The moment Nigerian artists started seeing love from foreigners, they switched up on the Nigerians at home.pic.twitter.com/TDDMaVPE55
All your life, your father who raised you from infancy to adulthood never put his hand on you.
— Joey Akan (@JoeyAkan) January 2, 2023
But you waited 9 hours for an artist to kick your head at a concert.
Bude your head like clearance. 😂😂😂
I be common person, but you kick my head o, for your concert o.
— Joey Akan (@JoeyAkan) January 2, 2023
Once again, the real lesson for stans here is:
— Joey Akan (@JoeyAkan) January 2, 2023
No matter how much you fight for an artist, and insult people over a musician, the moment you approach them real life, either security wipe you Oraimo cord for neck, or your idolo go bude your head.
Nobody send you like that.
Ghanaian Digital Creator, Kwadwo Sheldon on his channel on Youtube expressed his displeasure on the issue and his disappointment in Burna Boy. According to him, the attitude of headliners reporting to concerts and shows in Africa late is disrespectful to their fans, making it seem like they are doing their fans a favour.
He added that this is not the case when they go for tours, shows and concerts in Europe, America and other parts of the globe. He further said that this was pathetic and sad, calling on all concertgoers to get the respect and dignity they deserve in 2023.
It is not unusual for Nigerian artists to come late to shows, say uncanny words, insult their fans or in some cases assault them for behaviours the artists deem rude. Many people have in a way come to accept this as a norm that comes with the Nigerian concert/show experience and have to a large extent given a pass to a number of acts for these uncouth actions.
But the thing is for how long can we allow this to continue, for how long can we let this slide in this digital era, especially now that we have gotten the world to accept the gospel of Afrobeats?
According to Adeayo Adebiyi, a music reporter at Pulse, Afrobeats is international like it has never been and Afrobeats stars are travelling the world to give the international audience a feel of Africa’s foremost musical export.
He said ‘For years now, the Nigerian audience has been demanding that their superstars raise their level and produce performances that match their talents and the expected level of professionalism they showcase internationally.’
In his words, instead of giving heed to the concerns of these fans, most of these artists have carried themselves with an air of superiority fueled by a myopic underestimation of the Nigerian audience.
The real question is what is the cause of this endemic disease, the artist, show promoters, the fans or the Nigerian factor?
Some critics allege the causes to be bad business principles of show promoters, Nigerian acts earning higher pay for shows outside the shores of Africa, the astigmatic depreciation of the Nigerian music assembly, loss of dignity of Nigerian concertgoers and poor stage craftmanship.
But whatever the case may be this is not right, all parties should come to the table and make things work, particularly for the artists as you are the one the fans know, follow, idolize and would most likely hold responsible for any outcomes.
As an artist, you should learn to be diplomatic when situations take an uncertain turn, you should apologize to your fans, explain the cause of the issue, give a world-class performance, you should with caution be friendly with your fans no matter the antics they may display in their expression of fan love to you and most definitely have a great time with your fans.
Though Burna Boy has given his account of what transpired in an official statement, expressing his apology to his fans, why things happened that way, his displeasure with the show organizers and finally calling for investors in the show promotion business. He did not fail to call out some people he felt were not helping the cause.
“Let’s be clear. I wasn’t late, my band wasn’t late. We pride ourselves on being highly professional especially with our stage craft”
— 🐬 @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) January 2, 2023
– Burna Boy pic.twitter.com/evwea8x6HD
I hope things work out for all in the end, the year is still fresh and a lot is left to be seen.