Grammy-winning Afrobeats star Burna Boy is facing intensified scrutiny as his ongoing No Sign of Weakness tour in the United States becomes overshadowed by controversy, low attendance, and abrupt cancellations. What began as a heavily anticipated series of performances has gradually turned into a storm of backlash, largely triggered by a viral onstage incident in Colorado and the reactions that followed.
The trouble started on November 12 at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado. Midway through his performance, Burna Boy halted the show to confront a fan in the front row who appeared to be sleeping. Asking security to remove her, he resumed the concert, but the episode immediately ignited criticism online. The fan, later identified as Chaltu Jateny, explained that she attended the show while struggling with grief following the death of her daughter’s father. “I have been mentally, physically, and emotionally drained… I came to his show to put a smile on my face,” she shared on X. Many felt the artiste acted insensitively, and the conversation quickly gained traction across digital platforms.
The fallout appeared to spill into his subsequent shows. At his November 22 concert in Houston, videos circulated showing large sections of empty seats, sparking debates about whether his recent behaviour and comments had alienated fans. One clip from the Houston show showed yet another fan asleep as he performed, reviving debate about his earlier conduct. This was further compounded by his remarks during a past livestream where he told viewers, “Did I tell you all to be my fans? I am only looking for fans who have money,” a statement many felt was arrogant and dismissive.
The controversy intensified as cancellations began surfacing. On November 28, less than 24 hours before his scheduled performance at The Armory in Minneapolis, Ticketmaster confirmed that the show had been cancelled. Another date set for December 1 in Chicago was also scrapped. While organisers provided no official explanation, the timing fuelled speculation that growing backlash and dwindling turnout played a role. Burna Boy himself confirmed the cancellations via his Instagram Story, sharing a link displaying both dates marked as cancelled. For now, the remaining stops on the tour appear unaffected.
The Colorado incident continued to dominate discourse online. Many argued that Burna Boy should apologise publicly, with some fans insisting that accountability and humility were necessary steps forward. Social media users expressed disappointment, noting that the artiste’s treatment of fans seemed to contrast with the respect audiences expect abroad. Others emphasised that his recent behaviour risks undermining years of hard work and global recognition. Streamers Ryan Garcia and N3on reflected the public mood, stating that the growing number of empty seats showed how quickly the public could withdraw its support.
Still, not all commentary was condemnatory. Some cultural observers noted that Burna Boy remains an important figure in the Afrobeats movement, highlighting that while the controversy demands introspection, his contribution to globalising Nigerian music cannot be dismissed. They argued that ensuring fans feel valued and respected is essential, as he represents the cultural pride and aspirations of millions.
For now, the singer has not released an official statement addressing the backlash or the cancelled dates, leaving fans and critics awaiting his next move.
