Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Burna Boy is under fire from fans and upcoming artists following a controversial post shared on social media, where he appeared to downplay the importance and support of Nigerian audiences in the global music scene.
In a series of text-based posts, Burna Boy cautioned fellow artists not to be misled by Twitter polls and support from “Naija social media fans,” arguing that such online attention does not translate into real-world success.
“They won’t fill up any stadium for you in any part of the world,” he stated, prompting a wave of criticism from Nigerians who felt slighted by the remarks.
The post, which has since gone viral, seemed to suggest that Nigerian fans are not commercially viable enough to sustain a successful global music career.
This sparked reactions from both fans and fellow creatives, who accused Burna Boy of being ungrateful and dismissive of the same audience that helped catapult him to fame.
In a follow-up post, Burna Boy shared streaming revenue comparisons across different regions.
According to him, one million Nigerian streams generate between $300 and $400, while the same number of streams in the UK, US, or Europe earns about $3,000 to $4,000.
This, he argued, demonstrates the economic limitations of relying solely on the Nigerian market.
“Your song being number one on any streaming platform in Nigeria is not something to celebrate,” he wrote.
“Aim higher or do other businesses on the side.” While Burna Boy claimed to be sharing this with love, the tone struck many as harsh and dismissive of local success.
Young Nigerian artistes have taken to social media to express disappointment, saying the post could demoralise upcoming talents who look up to Burna Boy as a role model.
Many highlighted that success starts at home and that international recognition often follows strong local support.
Fans also pointed out that Burna Boy’s rise to international acclaim was significantly powered by the grassroots support he received in Nigeria.
For some, his statements feel like a betrayal of the same fan base that helped shape his career.
Others, however, have defended Burna Boy’s stance, arguing that he is simply speaking from a business perspective.
They claimed his message is a reality check about the financial disparities in the music industry, urging artists to diversify and think beyond national borders.
Nonetheless, the comments have reignited debates about the value of African audiences in the global entertainment economy and the need for structural reforms that ensure artists are better compensated for their work within their home countries.
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