Popular Nigerian singer Burna Boy, known globally for his distinctive Afro-fusion sound and multiple Grammy nominations, has reportedly issued a public apology to his fans during a live performance, following a series of events that led to backlash and noticeably low ticket sales on his ongoing U.S. tour. The apology comes after a controversial incident at one of his concerts and the resurfacing of past comments that have stirred online criticism.
The Grammy Award-winning artist, whose real name is Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, addressed the crowd in a video that rapidly went viral across social media platforms, capturing the attention of fans and critics alike. In the video, Burna Boy expressed remorse and described his previous remarks as a “slip of the tongue,” signalling an effort to reconcile with fans who were offended by the earlier incidents.
Incident That Sparked Outrage
The controversy began at Burna Boy’s concert in Denver, Colorado, when he noticed a female fan asleep in the front row. According to reports, he stopped his performance momentarily to request that she be removed, instructing her boyfriend to escort her out, or otherwise risk having the show cut short. The moment was captured on video and quickly circulated online, generating heated debates among fans and viewers about concert etiquette, artist behavior, and audience treatment.
The incident drew criticism not only from fans who witnessed the occurrence but also from social media users globally, many of whom accused Burna Boy of being insensitive and disrespectful towards his audience. This backlash contributed to the growing narrative of disappointment surrounding his tour.
Old Video Adds Fuel to Fire
The situation worsened when an older video resurfaced in which Burna Boy was seen expressing a preference for wealthy fans and making statements that suggested he does not actively seek public support. The resurfacing of this footage, in combination with the Denver incident, intensified the outrage, leading some fans to boycott his shows entirely. This trend reportedly resulted in lower ticket sales across multiple tour stops, affecting the artist’s U.S. tour revenue and public image.
Tour Cancellations Follow Backlash
As the backlash grew, several scheduled concerts were subsequently cancelled. Notably, the Armory show in Minneapolis, originally set for November 28, 2025, was abruptly cancelled just one day prior to the event, according to Ticketmaster. Similarly, the Chicago concert scheduled for December 1, 2025, was also called off, signaling the tangible impact of the controversy on the tour and highlighting the challenge of maintaining fan trust and engagement in the wake of public disputes.
Burna Boy Issues Public Apology
In a recent performance in Texas, Burna Boy addressed the controversy directly, taking responsibility for his words and actions. He apologised to his fans, emphasizing that his previous remarks were unintentional and expressed deep regret for the manner in which the situation unfolded. The apology appeared to be an attempt to mend the strained relationship with his fan base and reaffirm his respect for concertgoers.
In his own words, Burna Boy stated: “I’m sorry, guys. It was a slip of the tongue. I apologize for what I said. I’m so sorry, everyone.” His candid acknowledgment of the incident has sparked discussions among fans, with some appreciating the sincerity of the apology while others remain critical of the initial behavior.
See below;
“I know my ticket sales are suffering since that incident. Even the coffee I introduced no one is buying. So please I am sorry to everyone and everything I said. It was a slip of tongue.”
-Burna Boy (apologizing to his fans) pic.twitter.com/VkWuwH9Oqz
— Arthur🇳🇬🇬🇧🇸🇳 (@AjMachalaa) November 26, 2025
The incident and subsequent apology serve as a reminder of the delicate balance artists must maintain between performance expectations and fan engagement, particularly in an era where social media can rapidly amplify both praise and criticism. Fans, industry observers, and critics alike continue to monitor Burna Boy’s next moves as he navigates the challenges of public perception and attempts to restore confidence in his tour experience.