Burna Boy Apologises to Fans Amid Backlash, Low Ticket Sales, Cancelled U.S. Shows as Sister Debunks Rumour of Mother’s Sack
Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Burna Boy has issued a public apology to his fans following intense criticism, low ticket sales, and a string of cancelled concerts triggered by a controversy on his ongoing U.S. tour.
The singer, born Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, addressed the situation during a recent show in Texas, acknowledging that his actions and comments had hurt many supporters. A video of the emotional moment has since gone viral across social media platforms.
The backlash began during his Denver, Colorado performance when Burna Boy reportedly paused his show after spotting a female fan asleep in the front row. Eyewitnesses said he instructed that she be removed, warning the boyfriend to escort her out or risk him ending the show entirely. The incident, captured on video, drew widespread outrage online.
Matters escalated when an old clip resurfaced showing the singer saying he preferred wealthy fans and did not “beg anyone” for support — a statement many interpreted as arrogant. Calls for boycotts soon spread across social media, and the impact became evident at his U.S. tour stops, where turnout significantly dropped.
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As attendance declined, several shows were cancelled. Ticketmaster confirmed that Burna Boy’s Minneapolis Armory concert scheduled for November 28, 2025, was cancelled a day before the event. His Chicago stop, slated for December 1, 2025, was also called off.
Addressing the Texas crowd, Burna Boy said:
“It was a slip of the tongue. I’m sorry, guys. I apologize for what I said. I’m so sorry, everyone… I know my ticket sales are suffering since that incident. Even the coffee I introduced — no one is buying. So please, I am sorry. It was a slip of the tongue.”
The apology marks his latest effort to repair relations with fans amid criticism that has overshadowed his tour.
Meanwhile, another controversy unfolded online on Monday after a report circulated claiming Burna Boy had fired his mother, Bose Ogulu, as his manager. The rumour gained traction after a blog, ChaftsAfrica, shared an alleged Instagram story suggesting the managerial relationship had ended.
An X user, @Joyfultips, fueled the speculation by posting: “Just heard Burna Boy fired his mom, this whole thing is getting crazier.”
Responding to the claims, Burna Boy’s sister and fellow artist, Nissi, dismissed the report as completely untrue. She quoted the post and wrote simply: “FAKE NEWS.”
The denial comes at a time when the singer is battling a wave of negative publicity, but the family has made it clear that his mother remains firmly in place as his manager.
Burna Boy Apologises to Fans Amid Backlash, Low Ticket Sales, Cancelled U.S. Shows as Sister Debunks Rumour of Mother’s Sack