Burna Boy Reflects on ENDSARS Impact Amid New Protests

Nigerian singer Burna Boy has spoken about the recent nationwide protests against bad governance in Nigeria, which occurred on August 1, 2024.

Reflecting on the ENDSARS protests in 2020, Burna Boy shared how deeply he was affected. His initial support for the cause was significant, but he admitted that his motivation to engage in activism waned when protesters rejected his music at that time.

As the protests took place across Nigeria on August 1, Burna Boy tweeted about his decision to remain silent, citing his past experiences.

He wrote, “The fight in me died on this day. Ogun go doggy, anybody wey call my name this time around.” This was a reference to the 2020 incident when protesters refused to play his songs during the ENDSARS protests and chanted, “No Burna, cancelled!” This incident had a profound impact on his activism.

However, Burna Boy’s comments were met with disappointment from Nigerians on social media, who felt he had abandoned the activism he once championed through his music.

“Oga, shut up. Just because they did you badly doesn’t mean you should give up. You taught us to keep fighting in your songs, but you’re here talking nonsense,” one user replied.

Burna Boy also retorted to another user: “I taught you to keep fighting your oppressors, but you chose to fight me.”

In response to a tweet mocking his self-proclaimed title of “African Giant,” Burna Boy said, “I don’t hand over to Falz bros.”