By Chioba ifunayan
Global Afrobeats heavyweight Burna Boy is battling intense criticism after a string of controversial moments and disappointing turnouts forced him to call off multiple stops on his No Sign of Weakness U.S. tour. What was expected to be another triumphant international outing has instead become one of the most turbulent episodes of his career.
The uproar began on November 12 at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado, where the singer abruptly paused his performance to reprimand a fan he believed was sleeping. He demanded she be escorted out before resuming the show — a move that sparked immediate outrage online.
The woman, later identified as Chaltu Jateny, revealed that she had attended the concert while grieving the recent death of her child’s father. She said she was emotionally exhausted and simply sought comfort in the music. Her story ignited widespread sympathy and amplified criticism of Burna Boy’s handling of the situation.
The fallout soon became visible. Footage from his Houston concert on November 22 showed large portions of empty seats, prompting questions about dwindling ticket sales. Clips of another fan dozing off during the show revived debates about the Colorado incident and Burna Boy’s attitude toward his audience.
Many pointed to the singer’s past comments — including a livestream where he dismissed fans who weren’t “wealthy” — as a factor eroding goodwill. Critics argued that such statements created a perception of arrogance that was now affecting attendance.
Adding to the turmoil, PUNCH confirmed that two upcoming shows, scheduled for November 28 and December 1, had been cancelled. The cancellations intensified concerns about the tour’s stability and the artist’s relationship with his fanbase.
Major international voices also joined the conversation. American rap legend Eminem publicly condemned the Colorado episode, while streamer Ryan Garcia remarked that Burna Boy’s behaviour was “humbling him quickly,” noting that no artist is bigger than their supporters.
Across social media, fans urged the Last Last singer to apologise and rebuild trust. Comments ranged from disappointment to outright anger:
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One user wrote that such behaviour “would never be tolerated abroad,”
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another insisted that a heartfelt apology could prevent a long-term reputation hit,
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while others warned that even superstar careers can suffer irreversible damage if fans feel disrespected.
A TikToker went further, saying the backlash reflected a demand for respect from both Nigerian and international audiences, adding that the Houston turnout showed fans were beginning to vote with their feet.
Still, some voices defended Burna Boy, acknowledging his importance to the global Afrobeats movement while urging him to reconnect sincerely with his supporters. “He represents millions who believe our music can compete anywhere,” one commentator wrote. “But respect is the bridge between the artist and the people. Without it, the culture suffers.”
With cancelled shows, mounting criticism, and pressure for accountability, Burna Boy now faces one of the most defining public tests of his career.
