Instagram/@burnaboygram
Nigerian megastar Burna Boy has added an additional batch of European concerts on his ongoing ‘No Sign Of Weakness Tour.’ The Grammy-winning singer announced that ticket sales would begin this week, with a particular emphasis that tickets for Helsinki go on sale this Friday. The announcement set off a frenzy, but it also made his international fanbase come down with criticism.
Advertisement
In true splash style, Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu went on to announce, “NEW EU DATES ADDED!! #NOSIGNOFWEAKNESSTOUR,” while asking fans to go to his website to purchase tickets and ended with the ever-famous BON. The expansion shall henceforth strengthen his already vast international brand but also started bringing to light a certain conflict within the fanbase.
Whereas fans were in pure joy at the announcement of additional dates, the conversation later took an audacious turn as some major omissions came to light: the entire continent of Africa. A user gave it to him straight: “An African creator Announcing a ‘world tour’ without any African countries on the line-up is WILD!!” The comment was shortly undermined with a more concise question: “Why Africa is always excluded,” said dozens more in the thread echoing in disagreement. The explanation gave in response to the question was: “we are not part of the world,” aptly encapsulating the feeling of both cultural and geographical marginalization expressed by many fans.
That particular comment debate in greater time became a microcosm for the larger conversation regarding African artists and their International tour plans; some obviously partially sided with Burna Boy’s act; “yall complain too much, wizkid will tour Africa for you, let this man face his customers.” Another presented a more realistic consideration: “make r ignore where money dey come from” insinuating the fact that incentives to tour Europe and North America are just too big. This in itself further illuminates the conflict between deciding to go globally commercial and staying connected to an Artists’ continent of birth.
As for the criticism passed onto the newly added cities, they thrived on having an energy-filled welcome. “See you in Dallas,” said one contented soul, while in Toronto, another wrote, “Toronto, I’m 100% Active,” accompanied by laughing and fire emojis. The announcement generated hopeful exchanges from London, stating, “U don forget London ahhhh ahhhhh no do me like this ooo,” which was followed by, “Wembley Gonna go lit.”
Some scintillating acclaim was also given. One user said Burna Boy was the “Greatest in the history of track,” while another called him the “most Globally Accepted African creator.” To add a little bit of fun, one fan said, “To be honest, Burna Boy is big, this guy been performing show after show,” acknowledging the plethora of shows on his schedule. An optimistic fan said if the Acts are still creating at 60 years of age, then “na a whole continent unna go purchase.”
Advertisement
The announcement of Burna Boy managed to create catalytic energy for the extended tour. It came like a shout, reminding Burna Boy’s ability to sell out arenas all across Europe. However, the split-followers passionate reactions are a reminder of the growing conversation on the expectations faced by internationally successful African artists and those that are perceived to be their responsibilities toward their home audience. While there is much cause for celebration on the tour front, have the announcement seem to touch a raw nerve for many; still, after all his world-induced fame, many of his fans feel left out. The ‘No Sign Of Weakness Tour’ is amongst the viral topics, as is the dialogue that surrounds Burna Boy, and has the power to get people talking. This situation reminds many of the Super Falcons controversy from earlier this year. Meanwhile, Boozey continues to celebrate Nigerian roots in his track.
About the Author
