Popular Nigerian singer Burna Boy has apologised to his fans following widespread criticism and reports of low ticket sales linked to a controversial incident at one of his U.S. concerts.
The Grammy-winning artist, born Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, addressed the issue during a live performance, with a video of the moment rapidly circulating across social media.
The backlash began at Burna Boy’s Denver, Colorado show, where he reportedly stopped his performance after noticing a female fan asleep in the front row. Eyewitnesses said he asked that she be removed, telling her boyfriend to escort her out or risk the concert being halted.
The incident, captured on camera, sparked outrage online.
Public anger intensified when an old clip resurfaced in which Burna Boy appeared to suggest that he preferred wealthy fans and did not “beg anyone” for support. The combination of both controversies triggered calls for a boycott, leading to poor turnout at several stops on his U.S. tour.
Amid growing backlash, the singer cancelled multiple shows. The Armory concert in Minneapolis, scheduled for November 28, 2025, was cancelled a day before the event, according to Ticketmaster. The Chicago show slated for December 1, 2025, was also called off.
In a fresh video from his Texas performance, Burna Boy addressed the audience directly, offering a public apology and attempting to calm the situation.
“It was a slip of the tongue. I’m sorry, guys. I apologize for what I said. I’m so sorry, everyone,” he told fans.
The apology comes as the singer works to repair relations with his global audience following a series of events that have overshadowed his ongoing tour.
“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
