Burna Boy is facing one of the toughest public relations crises of his career as his No Sign of Weakness tour in the United States continues to attract backlash, thin crowds, and cancelled shows — a dramatic contrast to the global dominance he enjoyed just months ago.
The trouble began on November 12 at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado, where the Grammy winner paused his performance to single out a woman in the front row who appeared to be asleep. He ordered security to remove her from the venue. The clip went viral, with many describing the act as callous.
The woman, later identified as Chaltu Jateny, revealed she was grieving the recent death of her daughter’s father and had attended the concert hoping to lift her spirits. “I have been mentally, physically, and emotionally drained… I came to his show to put a smile on my face,” she wrote on X. Her account deepened the sympathy she received online and intensified criticism of Burna Boy.
What followed appeared to reflect the anger of many fans. Videos from his November 22 Houston concert showed vast sections of empty seats — a rare sight for an artist who recently sold out stadiums across Europe and America. Ironically, another fan was spotted sleeping during the performance, reigniting debates about the Colorado incident.
Adding fuel to the fire were Burna Boy’s previous comments during a livestream in which he said, “Did I tell you all to be my fans? I am only looking for fans who have money.” The remark resurfaced as many pointed to it as evidence of disrespect toward his audience.
The fallout has been swift. Two stops on the tour — November 28 and December 1 — were officially cancelled, raising questions about demand and internal issues within the tour’s organisation.
The backlash has drawn attention beyond the Afrobeats community. Rap legend Eminem reposted the Colorado clip alongside the comment: “Yo, this is not cool.”
American streamer Ryan Garcia also criticised the singer, saying in a conversation with fellow streamer N3on: “Burna Boy’s shows have become empty because of his attitude. Without people, he isn’t a superstar. Life can humble anyone quickly.”
On social media, calls for accountability have grown louder.
One Instagram user wrote: “He got away with it in Nigeria because everyone gets away with things here, but in America they cherish their human dignity.”
Another said: “Apologise and be done with it. Instead, pride.”
A concerned fan added: “His downfall at a time when he’s selling out stadiums is not something to celebrate. But one wrong move and he may never recover.”
A TikTok creator, @Wontonamera, criticised Nigerians for tolerating disrespect from their own stars, saying: “He should have performed to an empty stadium. He is so disrespectful whenever he performs to Nigerians.”
Amid the criticism, some cultural commentators urged restraint, arguing that Burna Boy remains one of the continent’s most influential musical exports. One fan wrote:
“When you invite people to commune with your art, their dignity must be assured. But Burna Boy is still too important to the culture. He carries the dreams of millions.”
Whether this moment becomes a turning point or a temporary stumble may depend on Burna Boy’s next move — and whether he chooses to address the growing anger head-on.
