Joey Akan Critiques Burna Boy’s Relationship with Nigerian Fans in Viral Commentary

Renowned Nigerian music journalist Joey Akan has ignited widespread discussion with his recent commentary on Burna Boy’s evolving relationship with his Nigerian fanbase. In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Akan suggests that the decline of Burna Boy’s “African Giant” persona is not due to external factors but rather a self-inflicted consequence of overwhelming success.

“‘African Giant’ was not killed by ‘his people.’ It was suicide. Suicide induced by an abundance of success,” Akan stated. He elaborated that after championing his people through impactful projects, Burna Boy’s rise to global fame led him to distance himself from Nigeria’s complexities, resulting in a series of actions and statements that alienated his core audience.

Akan highlighted instances where Burna Boy criticized Nigerian culture, labeling it as “substance-less,” and described the country as “a waste of time.” He also pointed out the artist’s confrontational behavior at concerts and his tendency to blame Nigerian fans for various grievances.

“It’s akin to madness and the height of narcissism to erode your goodwill by self-inflicted cuts, while apportioning causality to your victims,” Akan remarked. “You cut yourself and bled on Nigerians. And when we protested, you called us poor.”

The commentary has sparked a flurry of reactions online, with many fans and observers weighing in on the complex dynamics between Burna Boy’s international acclaim and his connection to his Nigerian roots.

Burna Boy, born Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, has not publicly responded to Akan’s remarks. The discourse underscores the ongoing conversation about the responsibilities of artists who achieve global success while maintaining authenticity and respect for their origins.

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