Grammy-winning Nigerian music star Burna Boy was briefly delayed at a Moroccan airport after customs officials raised concerns over his jewellery, just hours before his scheduled performance at the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations AFCON Fan Zone concert in Rabat.
The incident was confirmed by President of the Confederation of African Football CAF, Patrice Motsepe, who spoke on the matter during a recent press conference. Motsepe disclosed that the singer was stopped on arrival when customs officers noticed the quantity and value of the gold jewellery he was wearing, prompting further checks.
According to Motsepe, the situation required official intervention to prevent it from affecting Burna Boy’s appearance at the highly anticipated AFCON event. He said he was informed that the artist had been held by customs because of his “heavy and beautiful gold jewellery,” adding that he stepped in to ensure the issue was resolved without complications.
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Motsepe stressed that the matter was handled calmly and professionally, allowing Burna Boy to proceed to the venue in time for his performance. The brief detention did not disrupt the concert schedule.
Burna Boy later took the stage as planned on January 16, delivering a headline performance at the AFCON Fan Zone concert in Rabat. The event also featured Ghanaian reggae-dancehall star Stonebwoy, alongside Moroccan artists Stormy and Jaylann, drawing a large crowd of football fans and music lovers.
The episode has since sparked conversations online, blending celebrity culture with the global attention surrounding the AFCON tournament, while underscoring the tight security and customs regulations often faced by international performers at major sporting events.
