In a dramatic turn of events, Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, has come under public scrutiny following his recent appearance with Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This development has stirred controversy among Nigerians, especially given Burna Boy’s previous hard-hitting stance against the Nigerian government during the #EndSARS protests in 2020.
Back in October 2020, Burna Boy emerged as a vocal supporter of the nationwide protests against police brutality, unlawful detentions, extortion, and extrajudicial killings. The movement reached a tragic climax on October 20, 2020, when Nigerian soldiers reportedly opened fire on peaceful protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos, leaving several dead and many injured.
Following the incident, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu claimed that the attack was carried out by “forces beyond my control.” His statement was met with widespread outrage, with many accusing both state and federal authorities of complicity or outright responsibility. Burna Boy, echoing the sentiments of thousands of Nigerians, took to X (formerly Twitter) to directly call out the governor, then-APC leader Bola Tinubu, and President Muhammadu Buhari.
In a now-famous post dated October 21, 2020, Burna Boy wrote:
“@jidesanwoolu YOU have just showed the world that You are just another one of @AsiwajuTinubu puppets. ‘Forces beyond your control’? YOU are just as GUILTY as TINUBU and BUHARI. And you must ALL pay.”
His public condemnation was widely applauded at the time, with many viewing it as a brave act of celebrity activism and solidarity with the Nigerian youth. Burna Boy also released the emotionally charged track “20 10 20” to memorialise the lives lost in the Lekki Toll Gate massacre.
Fast forward to April 2025, and Burna Boy’s recent public outing with Seyi Tinubu has triggered backlash, with critics accusing the singer of hypocrisy and betraying the memory of the #EndSARS victims.
Two video clips currently circulating on social media platform X show Burna Boy in a club alongside Seyi Tinubu. In one of the videos, he is seen introducing British rapper and actor Dave (David Omoregie) to the president’s son. A second clip captures Burna Boy, Seyi Tinubu, and American actor Michael B. Jordan dancing and socialising together in what appears to be a private celebration.
The videos sparked swift reactions online. Some users expressed disbelief that Burna Boy, who once stood as a cultural voice of resistance, would now associate with the very individuals he once called out.
@SmaAfc wrote, “You can never see Fela move with kids of corrupt politicians.”
@lumi_dee6 added, “African Giant with the people wey him dey criticise.”
Another user, Joseph Abalokwu, questioned Burna’s authenticity from the beginning: “You guys were really thinking Burna cared about the protest?”
Similarly, Abimbola Aanu (@aanu_bibi) noted, “So he basically uses Nigerians’ predicament to make money. What’s the point of singing ’20 10 20′ then?”
Some users argued that the videos expose a recurring problem in Nigeria’s socio-political space: a blurred line between activism and opportunism, particularly among public figures.
As the conversation grows online, Burna Boy has yet to issue a public response to the criticisms or clarify the nature of his relationship with the Tinubu family. Whether the backlash will affect his reputation or influence his future musical direction remains to be seen.
