Burna Boy Advises Nigerian Artistes to Focus on Global Market

Nigerian music superstar Burna Boy as once again stirred the pot with his candid thoughts on the ongoing trend of social media polls and artist comparisons, particularly among Nigerian fans. In a bold statement shared via his Instagram story, Burna Boy expressed his discontent with online polls, emphasizing their lack of impact when it comes to real-world success.

Burna Boy Advises Nigerian Artistes to Focus on Global Market

“Dear artists, don’t let Twitter polls and ‘Naija social media fans’ deceive you. They won’t fill up any stadium for you in any part of the world,” Burna Boy wrote, highlighting the point that online popularity does not translate to the ability to draw crowds or sell out arenas globally. According to Burna Boy, artists should place more focus on expanding their reach beyond social media and aim for recognition on the global stage.

Taking things further, Burna Boy criticized the value of music streams from Nigeria compared to those in Western markets, particularly the UK and the US. While topping Nigerian streaming platforms may bring fame, Burna Boy pointed out that it doesn’t carry the same weight in terms of revenue or exposure as streams from international markets.

Rather than celebrating local achievements, Burna Boy encourages fellow artists to shift their focus toward gaining recognition in markets that generate more substantial business opportunities. His comments underscore the idea that while Nigerian streams are important in the local context, they don’t offer the same long-term growth and global impact that artists should be aiming for.

Some fans and critics felt that Burna Boy’s reference to “Naija social media fans” suggested that he undervalues their support, relegating them only to the online space rather than acknowledging their significance in driving his career. His remarks raised eyebrows, as he implied that these fans do not contribute to tangible support like live performances or global sales.

This isn’t the first time Burna Boy has stirred controversy with his comments. Prior to the release of his album *I Told Them*, Burna Boy faced backlash for dismissing Afrobeats as a genre without substance during an interview with Zane Lowe. He also made headlines when he claimed that no one paved the way for his success, a statement that drew criticism from veteran artists who felt he was disregarding their contributions to Nigerian music.

As Burna Boy gears up for the release of his highly anticipated eighth album, No Sign of Weakness, his latest remarks seem to follow a familiar pattern.

With No Sign of Weakness on the horizon, Burna Boy continues to push boundaries, challenging conventions in the music world and encouraging a deeper, more global perspective in the artist community. His unapologetic stance and willingness to speak his mind have cemented his place as a transformative figure in the world of Afrobeats and beyond.