Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy has extended a helping hand to the families affected by the recent mass shooting in Stockton, California.
The singer has pledged to cover the funeral expenses for the four young victims, aged between 8 and 21, who tragically lost their lives at a children’s birthday party on Saturday, November 29.
According to authorities, 11 others were injured during the incident at Monkey Space, a banquet hall in unincorporated San Joaquin County.
Burna Boy, whose real name is Damini Ogulu, expressed his heartbreak in a statement obtained by the Stockton Record.
He learned of the tragedy through The Breakfast Club radio show and immediately sought ways to help. “When I heard about the children murdered in Stockton, my heart broke,” he said.
The singer connected with Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee through Wack 100, talent manager and co-founder of Cash Money Records, to provide support to the grieving families.
“No family should ever face this kind of pain alone. I wanted to do whatever I could to support these parents as they begin the long process of healing,” Burna Boy added.
He was reportedly especially moved by the story of 14-year-old Amari Peterson, a Modesto teen who played football and basketball and had college plans.
A GoFundMe page was set up to assist his parents with funeral costs.
Authorities have yet to make any arrests in connection with the shooting, which is believed to have been targeted.
Vice Mayor Lee praised Burna Boy’s generosity, saying, “I want to thank Burna Boy for his support of families and children he has never met but still felt moved to help.
Let his generosity serve as an example: so many people want to help but may not know how — and our community needs that support now more than ever.”
The singer, who recently faced criticism after pausing a November 12 performance in Colorado to call out a couple for allegedly sleeping during his show, has also canceled two U.S. tour dates: Minneapolis on November 28 and Chicago on December 1.
