Nigerian musician Burna Boy has addressed criticism following an incident during his performance at the Greater Lagos Countdown 2025 concert, where he kicked a fan off the stage.
In an Instagram story, he explained that his reaction was due to being startled by the fan’s sudden appearance, citing his struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
He emphasized his rule against fans jumping on stage during live performances, stating, “Don’t jump on my stage like that! I got PTSD.”
The incident, captured in a viral video, showed Burna Boy abruptly leaving the stage after physically assaulting a fan who attempted to touch him.
This led to a backlash on social media, with some people labeling him “the most arrogant Nigerian artiste”.
In his response, Burna Boy noted that the concert was a free show where he performed longer than scheduled, adding, “I had an amazing time with Lagos State last night… I love you all. Happy New Year.”
PSTD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.
Burna Boy’s disclosure of his PTSD has elicited mixed reactions online, with some fans expressing empathy for his mental health struggles, while others questioned the necessity of his physical reaction.
As Burna Boy continues to dominate in the music industry, his latest controversy highlights the challenges of fame and the pressures artists face while engaging with their audiences.