Burna Boy faces backlash for not supporting the #EndBadGovernance protests. In an Instagram live session, he denied being an activist, explained his position, and urged fans to lower their expectations. He reflected on the mental toll and denied affiliations with politicians, emphasizing his empathy for Nigerians' struggles.
The nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests have entered their second day, and Nigerian celebrities are facing criticism for their reactions and silence. Burna Boy, a prominent figure in the music industry, has been particularly targeted for not supporting the protests. Known for his outspoken nature, the 33-year-old singer addressed these criticisms in an Instagram live broadcast and on social media.
Burna Boy explained that his motivation to support such movements waned after the tragic events of October 20, 2020, during the EndSARS protest. He also stated that he never claimed to be an activist and urged fans not to pressure him into participating in the protests.
During the broadcast, he reflected on the burden of being seen as a hero, citing the early deaths of his idols like Fela Kuti as a cautionary tale. Burna Boy emphasized that while he empathizes with Nigerians' struggles, he feels unable to shoulder the responsibility of leading the fight against systemic issues alone. In response to accusations of political affiliations and receiving gifts from politicians, Burna Boy firmly denied these claims. Despite the backlash, he remains resolute in his stance, urging fans to lower their expectations of him as an activist.
The singer concluded by expressing his inner turmoil and the mental toll of such expectations, leaving a poignant message about the complexities of his public persona and personal convictions.
