By Otoibhi Audrey Oselerebhe
Grammy award winner, Burna Boy, dropped some surprising tweets on Twitter on the 18th of May, 2021.
As it is a known fact that Nigerian Twitter users always “come for celebrities”, a fan had stirred up a debate when he said; “Burna Boy go soon leave twitter NG for una.”
The singer however responded to the tweet saying that he wasn’t a Nigerian artist.
“Me wey no even be Nigerian artist” He said.
The singer was yet accused, in a tweet, of promoting African culture but denying his own motherland.
He then responded, “I’m from here and I live here because I love my home and my people, e no pass like that. I don’t make money from Nigeria. Na only Cruise de here.”
He also went on to say that he didn’t receive a dime (the alleged 10 million naira said to have been given to Burna Boy after his homecoming concert in Port Harcourt) from Governor Wike during his homecoming concert and that only artists who honoured him by performing were paid.
Burna Boy’s argument may sound surprising but it seems to provide an opportunity to book at music business not just as it relates to him, but his other colleagues.
Would Davido, Wizkid Flavour etc. say the same thing?
Is it a question of Nigeria not rewarding its artistes enough?
Is it a problem of the lull occasioned by lockdowns?
Is Burna Boy exaggerating the matter or being miserly with the truth?
Or he has the chicest fans abroad?
Another question still: Is his situation as a result of the universality occasioned by online earnings?
These are indeed vital questions that not only stakeholders but young artistes and other entertainers need to ponder.
The Nigerian music industry has continued to blossom with its musicians breaking boundaries, as exemplified by Burna Boy’s winning the Grammys this byear.
