When it comes to stirring up conversations online, no Nigerian artist does it quite like Burna Boy and over the years, his memorable social media moments have kept the internet buzzing.
In today’s digital world, celebrity status isn’t just about talent, it’s about presence. And when it comes to presence, Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, better known as Burna Boy, commands it with unapologetic confidence. From Port Harcourt to London and sold-out arenas across the world, Burna Boy isn’t just an Afro-fusion pioneer, he’s a digital phenomenon whose online persona is as loud, bold, and unforgettable as his music.
If there’s one thing Burna Boy has proven over the years, it’s that the internet loves a spectacle. And whether he’s teasing a new album, clapping back at a critic, or embroiled in yet another controversy, Burna knows how to make the digital streets talk. His journey, both offline and online, is intricately tied to his fierce Nigerian heritage, his embrace of African identity, and a deep-seated defiance of global expectations and it plays out most vividly on social media.
Interestingly, Burna isn’t just winging it. It is clear he understands the weight of narrative and the power of perception. And while his style often appears impulsive and unfiltered, there’s an underlying strategy in how he sustains conversations around his name, even if it means ruffling feathers.
In this article, we revisit some of the most memorable social media moments of Burna Boy. The highs, the lows, the controversies, and the clapbacks that have kept him consistently at the center of online discourse.
1. The Lamborghini promise saga (2025)
Burna Boy slept with me and didn’t give me the Lamborghini he promised”— Lagos Big Girl, Sophia narrates In released/leaked voice note pic.twitter.com/V13pVwaLwm
— Sabi Radio (@sabiradioonline) February 27, 2025
If there’s one controversy that defined early 2025, it was this one. In February, Lagos socialite Sophia Egbueje accused Burna Boy of promising her a Lamborghini in exchange for a romantic relationship, only for him to allegedly ghost her after gifting American singer Chloe Bailey with extravagant presents instead. The internet practically exploded. Leaked voice notes surfaced, Sophia took to Instagram with subtle shades, and within hours, hashtags trended across X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
“I NO BUY LAMBO, IS THAT WHY YOU ARE CRYING?!” — BURNA BOY VIA HIS IG STORY. 😂🤣 pic.twitter.com/lBffeCB8nG
— benny. (@BENNY7GG) February 28, 2025
Meanwhile, Burna Boy, true to form, responded with a freestyle and a mocking post in Nigerian Pidgin, brushing off the accusations. While Chloe Bailey unfollowed him on Instagram, the internet had a field day. Sophia’s follower count skyrocketed, while Burna’s bold dismissal only solidified his image as the unapologetic Odogwu that his die-hard fans adore.
2. Speed Darlington’s arrest (2024)
📍Very Dark Man disclosed that Burna Boy is allegedly behind the arrest and disappearance of Speed Darlington who a few weeks ago related Burna Boy’s Grammy won to being involved with Diddy.Speed Darlington’s mum also confirmed this in a video as she pleads with Burna Boy pic.twitter.com/yQYKscjvQ7
— Billboard Nigeria (@Ngnbillboard) October 8, 2024
In October 2024, Burna Boy took things beyond social media by filing a complaint against controversial entertainer Speed Darlington for defamation and cyberstalking after Speed’s harsh comments about Burna’s Grammy win and association with Diddy.
The incident quickly escalated. Speed Darlington was detained in Lagos, transferred to Abuja, and later released on bail. In response, he filed a ₦300 million lawsuit against the police, alleging unlawful detention and physical assault. What started as a typical celebrity spat snowballed into a national conversation about celebrity privilege, freedom of expression, and abuse of influence in Nigeria.
3. The dramatic X (formerly Twitter) exit (2020)
This is my Last personal tweet Ever. I Imma just leave this app cuz apparently I’m too real for it. Everyone please use this COV-19 times to really find out what your true purpose in this world is, train your mind and Body to the fullest, get Closer to the Most high n ur Family.
— Burna Boy (@burnaboy) April 1, 2020
Back in April 2020, after being accused of bullying fellow artist Reekado Banks, Burna dramatically announced he was quitting X, declaring, “This is my last tweet ever. I’m too real for this app.”
2020: Burna boy Vs Reekado banks You had to be there 😭 pic.twitter.com/vWSHzLnYll
— adé. (@theadeszn) October 18, 2023
Of course, like many celebrity “social media breakups,” it didn’t last. His “exit” from X was short-lived. He was soon back liking tweets, dropping snarky comments, and fueling fresh controversies.
4. The streaming numbers comment (2025)
“Naija social media fans won’t fill up any stadium for you” – Burna Boy via his Instagram story pic.twitter.com/tJadnfPpL2
— CITY 105.1FM (@CITY1051) April 8, 2025
In April 2025, Burna Boy kicked off another firestorm after claiming that one million Nigerian streams generate just $300-$400, compared to $3,000-$4,000 in the US or UK. He advised artists not to be fooled by Nigerian social media hype because those fans wouldn’t fill arenas abroad.
While factually correct about revenue disparities, his blunt delivery was widely condemned. Many felt he was dismissing the very people who built his career, a classic case of biting the hand that fed him. The backlash was intense, with artists and fans alike calling him ungrateful and elitist. Yet, as always, the Outsiders rallied around him, arguing that he was simply speaking uncomfortable truths.
5. The Burkina Faso free concert (2025)
Allegedly President Traore reportedly cancels Burnaboy’s concert in Burkina Faso, tells him to take his free show somewhere else pic.twitter.com/A7sTrTy2Xo
— African Hub (@AfricanHub_) June 4, 2025
In May 2025, Burna announced plans for a free concert in Burkina Faso, a country facing military unrest. Critics questioned the timing and suggested it was insensitive.
Never one to back down, Burna responded by telling his critics to “burn in hell”, and challenged their contributions to Africa. Rumors later claimed the concert was canceled by the military government, though no official statement confirmed this. Once again, Burna leaned heavily on his “African Giant” identity, using it as both a cultural rallying cry and a shield against criticism.
6. The Lagos fan incident (2024/2025)
closer view of the moment Burna Boy left the stage after a fan jumped him in Lagos. pic.twitter.com/2FYa2ASmKu
— benny. (@BENNY7GG) January 2, 2025
During the New Year’s eve at the Greater Lagos 2024 concert, a fan managed to climb on stage in an attempt to hug Burna. In a shocking moment caught on video, Burna Boy kicked the fan away and left the stage.
The video went viral and backlash poured in. However, the Last Last crooner later explained that the incident triggered his PTSD and reiterated his no-tolerance policy for stage intrusions. While some sympathized, others labeled him “arrogant” and “overreactive,” keeping the online conversation alive for weeks.
Old drama that still haunts the timeline
Some of Burna Boy’s older controversies still linger in online conversations. Back in 2019, he famously lashed out at Coachella organizers for printing his name in small font on the event flyer, declaring himself the African Giant. That same year, he sparked outrage by calling Nigerians “mentally lazy” for not standing up for themselves. He also dismissed the importance of streaming numbers, a stance that backfired when fans dug up an old post of him celebrating his own high stats. Another unforgettable moment came during a concert in Atlanta, where he refunded a fan’s ticket mid-show for not being excited enough. Each of these incidents has helped build Burna Boy’s reputation as a bold, unapologetic figure who stands by his words, no matter the backlash.
Why it all works and keeps working
It is evident to say that Burna Boy thrives in chaos. His brand isn’t built on people-pleasing or safe PR statements. It’s built on authenticity, defiance, and the confidence to speak his mind, whether people agree or not.
His music is consistently excellent. His fans are loyal to a fault. And the controversies, instead of damaging his career, seem to fuel his mythos.
For better or worse, controversy keeps him relevant in a world where virality fades fast. In fact, one could argue that it’s part of his strategy, embracing the messiness, the debates, and the endless memes because it guarantees that everyone’s always talking about Burna Boy.
In conclusion, Burna Boy and his social media moments is a fascinating case study on how digital presence shapes modern celebrity. His unfiltered, sometimes aggressive approach challenges the carefully curated personas many public figures adopt. Truthfully, every controversy adds a chapter to his ever-evolving legend. And while publicists might cringe, it is important to not that Burna Boy isn’t slowing down or toning it down anytime soon.
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