“I’m Not Forcing Anybody to Be My Fan — I Don’t Need Broke Fans” — Burna Boy

Grammy-winning Nigerian superstar, Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, has stirred reactions online after declaring that he doesn’t need anyone’s forced loyalty — and certainly not from people who are broke.

Speaking during an Instagram Live session, the Afro-fusion artist made it clear that he has never pressured anyone to support him.

“I force anybody to be my fan?” he asked rhetorically, stressing that being a fan should be a personal choice, not an obligation.

His comments come on the heels of a recent moment at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Denver, where he famously walked out on a couple who fell asleep during his performance — a move that many interpreted as Burna Boy’s preference for high energy over large numbers.

Burna Boy doubled down during the Live, saying that if he ever wanted to gather new fans, he’d only be interested in people who “get money this period,” adding that “pepper dey body” — a Nigerian slang expressing the financial hardship many are facing.

Online reactions came fast and mixed:

• “Burna Boy is just keeping it real. Loyalty over everything,” one fan said.

• Another joked, “Better check your bank account before you call yourself a Burna fan.”

• A critic added, “Pride goes before a fall… he’s doing too much these days.”

But at the core, Burna Boy’s message remains consistent with his brand — whether you’re balling or broke, he values genuine loyalty and real vibes over fan statistics.