Nigerian Grammy-winning superstar Burna Boy is catching serious heat online after being spotted partying with Seyi Tinubu, the son of Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The clip, which also features Hollywood actor Michael B. Jordan, has stirred a wave of backlash, with many fans questioning Burna Boy’s stance on the very issues he often criticizes in his music.
Why the Outrage?
Burna Boy, born Damini Ogulu, has long been regarded as a voice for the oppressed, frequently using his platform to highlight poverty, political dysfunction, and economic injustice in Nigeria. So when videos emerged of him laughing and chatting it up with Seyi Tinubu, many fans felt betrayed.
What made the situation worse was the timing. The sighting came just days after veteran rapper Eedris Abdulkareem dropped a fiery protest song titled “Tell Your Papa”, a direct call-out to both President Tinubu and his son for their roles in Nigeria’s worsening conditions. The song has since been banned by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), further stoking tensions.
Seyi Tinubu recently sparked controversy himself by calling his father “the greatest president Nigeria has ever had”, a statement many saw as tone-deaf amidst inflation, fuel hikes, and mass unemployment.
Social Media Reactions
As soon as the footage hit the internet, Nigerians didn’t hold back. Some were furious about Burna Boy’s perceived hypocrisy, calling him out for “preaching activism in songs while fraternizing with the political elite.”
Here’s a snapshot of what people are saying:
• @boy.jay__: “Hypocrisy at its peak.”
• @chinedumuka: “Burnaboy just wants fame, he doesn’t care about this country.”
• @nexy6ixty: “Seyi isn’t your president. Channel your anger to his papa.”
• @jayswiz_: “So Burna now partying with the people he sang against?”
• @mr.horlic: “Country dey spoil, papa go France to see native doctor, son dey Paris dey enjoy. Me I dey Mbaise dey find job.”
Others were less focused on the politics and more amused by the situation:
• @naughtyfancyy: “Is the president’s son supposed to be around illegal weed?”
• @shiretwin: “If una like make una no japa go make money. Stay there, dey sing ‘Seyi, tell your papa.’”
• @rockstar52721: “Country dey burn, una dey club in Paris. Burna just dey mago with Hollywood celebs.”
What’s Next for Burna Boy?
As of now, Burna Boy hasn’t publicly responded to the backlash. But this isn’t the first time he’s been called out for disconnecting his image from his actions, and it likely won’t be the last.
For many Nigerians struggling with the day-to-day realities of the country, this kind of public display from one of their biggest musical exports feels like a slap in the face—especially when paired with his often revolutionary lyrics.
Whether this moment dents his image long-term or just adds another chapter to his controversial career, one thing is clear: Nigerians are watching—and talking.
