When Burna Boy steps on stage, fans expect fire, energy, and passion—that African Giant intensity he’s known for. However, over the years, his performances have become just as famous for drama as they are for music.
Recently, things have taken a new turn, with fresh controversies threatening to overshadow the No Sign of Weakness tour he hoped would be a victory lap. And let’s be honest, this isn’t the first time Burna Boy has been surrounded by on-stage drama.
Let’s dive into Odogwu’s most controversial performance moments, old and new; the incidents that left fans talking, critics debating, and many scratching their heads.
Burna Boy’s Most Controversial On-Stage Moments
The Fan Who Wasn’t Dancing (African Giant tour, Atlanta, 2019)
At a concert in Atlanta, fans watched Burna Boy paused his performance to confront a man who wasn’t dancing. To everyone’s surprise, the African giant handed the man money and told security to escort him out, saying, “Oya, go home.” The clip went viral instantly.
Some defended Burna, arguing that every artist has the right to control the energy in their show. But many others felt his reaction was unnecessarily harsh. To his credit, Burna later apologized and even invited the fan back on stage to dance, a gesture that softened the backlash but didn’t stop the moment from becoming one of his most unforgettable controversies.
The Love Damini Late Show Outburst (2023)
At his concert for his Love Damini Lagos, Burna Boy showed up hours late. When the frustrated crowd voiced their complaints, he snapped back: “If you like no love me, na God go punish you.” Not the kind of response expected after keeping thousands waiting. The surprising thing was that after that, fans still cheered him while he sang through his sat.
Kicking an Over-Zealous Fan
At that same concert, Love Damini, Burna Boy found himself at the center of yet another heated moment. During the performance, an overzealous fan tried to climb the stage, and Burna reacted by kicking the fan off.
Some people defended him, calling it self-defense and a necessary reaction to protect his space. Others felt it was disrespectful, especially considering that the fan paid to be there that night.
Stage Exit at 2025 Countdown Concert
This past January 2025, another controversy erupted at the Greater Lagos Countdown 2025. A fan broke through security and rushed onto the stage while he was performing. In a swift reaction, Burna Boy kicked the fan, abruptly ended his set, and walked off stage. This act left us shocked and fans in disappointment.
No Sign of Weakness Tour Drama
This was Burna Boy’s most recent and possibly most damaging on-stage controversy. When the No Sign of Weakness tour opened at Red Rocks, nobody expected the night to explode into a global conversation.
🚨Moment Burna Boy asked a fan to take his girlfriend home because they were sleeping at his show last night in denver 🇺🇸🤯
“Take her the fxck home. Walahi im not performing another song till you go home” pic.twitter.com/pxpXrCbWBx
— HYPETRIBE (@hypetribeng) November 13, 2025
But the moment Burna stopped mid-performance, pointed at a front-row couple, and refused to continue until they were escorted out, everything shifted. What should’ve been a proud “Odogwu” victory lap instantly morphed into sympathy pouring in for the grieving woman he embarrassed and a growing debate about whether Burna’s signature “energy” is now crossing the line.
Within a week, canceled shows, angry fans, and viral clips turned that single moment into a full-blown spectacle. If we’re being honest, this one looks like the kind of saga that might follow him for a long time.
Image Credit: Dana Jacobs / Contributor | Getty Images
