Burna Boy’s No Sign Of Weakness tour in the United States has drifted into controversy, drawing heavy criticism and raising questions about the star’s relationship with his fans. What began as a celebrated international run has been overshadowed by tense encounters, empty seats and abrupt cancellations that have cast a shadow over the Grammy winner’s image.
Trouble began on November 12 at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado when he halted his performance to call out a woman who appeared to be asleep in the front row. He ordered security to remove her, a move that triggered immediate outrage online. The fan, Chaltu Jateny, later shared that she had been grieving the death of her daughter’s father and attended the concert hoping for emotional relief. She said she was exhausted and had purchased her own ticket.
The moment drew sharp reactions across social media and appeared to influence turnout at subsequent shows. Scenes from his Houston concert on November 22 revealed large sections of empty seats. Video from the event showed another fan asleep during the performance, reigniting debates over the singer’s past comments, including a livestream in which he said he wanted only wealthy fans. The criticism grew louder when two tour dates set for November 28 and December 1 were confirmed canceled, a sharp contrast to the sold-out shows he enjoyed earlier in his career.
Global figures joined the debate. Eminem reacted with disapproval, while American streamer Ryan Garcia commented that Burna Boy’s attitude had pushed fans away. He warned that fame can shift quickly when audiences feel undervalued.
Online reactions captured frustration from many of his supporters. Some argued that his conduct would have faced fewer consequences in Nigeria but met strong pushback abroad, where audiences demand respect. Others urged him to issue a public apology, saying it would help repair trust before further damage is done.
A TikTok user accused him of showing disregard for Nigerian audiences, insisting that Houston fans had responded with self-respect by refusing to fill venues. At the same time, some voices reminded the public that their criticism came from a place of concern. They acknowledged his influence in Afrobeats and his role as a global symbol for young Nigerians but insisted that an artist must honor the people who support his work.
Nigerian artist Terry G stepped forward in Burna Boy’s defence. Responding to the viral footage of the sleeping couple, he questioned why anyone would attend a concert only to doze off. He argued that public figures are judged more harshly than others and said such moments are often captured to harm an artist’s reputation. He compared the situation to church settings where ushers would immediately rouse anyone who nodded off.
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The controversy widened when a message allegedly from Burna Boy’s former partner, Stefflon Don, surfaced online. The note claimed their split was due to his desire to be treated like a god and described him as overly attached to his mother. Burna Boy’s fans disputed the claims and insisted he had ended the relationship, adding that it was better for him to remain single.
As the tour continued under a cloud of scrutiny, the conversation around Burna Boy’s conduct, fan relations and accountability grew more intense. Supporters and critics alike agreed that the coming months will test how the artist responds to a moment that threatens to reshape his public standing.
