The Greater Lagos Countdown to 2025 concert took an unexpected turn when Burna Boy, the self-proclaimed Odogwu, abruptly ended his performance following an incident involving an overzealous fan.
A video of the moment, now viral online, captures a fan rushing onto the stage during Burna Boy’s set. In the clip, the Grammy-winning artist appears visibly startled, nearly kicking the intruder off before security intervenes. Despite the fan being swiftly escorted away, the disruption seemingly unsettled Burna Boy, who cut his performance short just as his hit song “Last Last” began playing, signaling his exit from the stage.
The incident has since sparked mixed reactions from fans and critics alike, with opinions divided on whether Burna Boy’s response was justified or excessive.
THIS IS THE FULL CLIP OF THE MOMENT BURNA BOY LEFT THE STAGE AT THE GREATER LAGOS AFTER A FAN JUMPED HIM UNPROVOKED. WHERE WAS THE SECURITY? pic.twitter.com/pa0EQ4HrBA
— benny. (@benny7gg) January 1, 2025
Critics have been quick to call out the singer for what they see as unprofessional behavior. One commenter on social media questioned his commitment to Nigerian fans, stating:
“Can he do this abroad? No, he can’t. So why in Nigeria? It’s like he has zero respect or love whatsoever for his Nigerian fans.”
Another user criticized his decision to leave mid-performance, writing:
“If not pride, what is it? Someone paid you for a show, and you delivered halfway because a fan jumped on stage. Does Burna Boy not get touched by humans? This behavior is uncalled for.”
Some have even suggested legal action as a way to hold the artist accountable. One observer remarked:
“Until people start suing him, whether they win or not, he won’t learn to control himself and deliver what he’s paid for. These are things he wouldn’t dare try abroad!”
However, many fans have come to Burna Boy’s defense, citing safety concerns as the reason for his reaction. One supporter on X argued:
“That was not a fan! ODG has repeatedly said nobody should jump on stage no matter how excited they are. He sees that person as an attacker, and his response was justified!”
The polarizing incident underscores the challenges artists face when managing unexpected disruptions during live performances. While some view Burna Boy’s exit as a sign of disregard for his fans, others believe his actions were a precautionary measure.
As the debate continues, one thing remains clear: the Greater Lagos Countdown concert is a moment that will be remembered for reasons beyond the music.