The cancellations follow weeks of controversy after the Grammy-winning artist removed a female fan from one of his U.S. performances. Burna Boy had paused his show upon noticing the woman asleep in the crowd, instructing security to escort her out—a move that sparked debate online and prompted some Nigerians in America to call for boycotts of his shows.
Earlier this week, promoters announced that concerts scheduled for Chicago and Minneapolis were cancelled due to low ticket sales. The development quickly drew attention on social media, with several users mocking the cancellations and framing them as “karma,” a reaction I Go Save strongly condemned.
Speaking via his Instagram Stories, the comedian urged Nigerians to support local talent rather than celebrate setbacks. He argued that reveling in the misfortune of a Nigerian artist who represents the country internationally harms both the nation’s image and the creative industry.
“Burna concert kick out might be wrong or right depending on the sides you stand on! But same sinners pushing and celebrating a man’s source of daily bread cancellation is witchcraft!” I Go Save wrote. He added a moral critique, referencing forgiveness taught in religious spaces: “I thought your pastors teach about forgiveness every Sunday? The fact you hate somebody doesn’t stop God’s blessings. Meanwhile you still celebrate your political oppressors. This generation and bad belle na 5 & 6!”
The comedian’s statement underscores ongoing debates in Nigeria around supporting national talent, the ethics of public criticism, and the impact of social media culture on the country’s creative figures.