There are reports that Ibrahim Traore, Burkina Faso’s military leader, has cancelled Afrofusion star Burna Boy‘s free concert in the country.
An Instagram user identified as Trulilgram claimed Traore said he does not want a distraction for his citizens; instead, they should focus on protecting him.
“President Ibrahim Traore said he appreciates the love but doesn’t need distraction in Burkina Faso 🇧🇫, and the people of Burkina Faso 🇧🇫 said BurnaBoy should take the concert somewhere else, that they need to focus on their goal to protect their president,” the user wrote.
The post has generated over 74,000 likes and attracted hundreds of comments from Instagram users.
Other reports claim the concert is to honour Traoré for his acclaimed, impactful leadership in Burkina Faso.
Several X users, including an account with the name “Sahel Revolutionary Soldier” wrote: “Breaking News Burkina Faso Nigeria Nigeria’s Super Star, Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, professionally known as Burna Boy, has offered to give the People of Burkina Faso a FREE concert. The money made will be handed to the President to further develop the country. Traore is doing what no other modern time African leader has ever done, which is bringing the African people together. This is why Westerners are getting anxious. Traore is loved too much for their comfort.”
Other X users shared a related post here, here, and here.
BACKGROUND
On May 17, Burna Boy announced through NSWtv, his new promotional page, his desire to host a free concert in Burkina Faso.
Although the 33-year-old singer did not mention the exact time of the concert, he said it will be held this year.
He added that it would be an honour for him if permitted.
“It would be an honor for me to give the people of Burkina Faso a free Burna Boy concert sometime this year,” the post read.
Before the post, Burna Boy revealed that his upcoming album ‘No Sign of Weakness’ will be exclusively available to fans who purchase concert tickets.
He declared that his future music releases will prioritise his most dedicated supporters. He advised casual listeners to seek entertainment elsewhere unless they fall into the category of his concert attendees.
However, Burna Boy made an exception for his Nigerian fans, acknowledging those who genuinely support him but may not have the means to attend his international shows.
VERIFICATION
Checks by CableCheck showed that Burna Boy did not reveal whether the proposed concert was cancelled.
The singer’s management has not reacted to the viral claim.
However, on Sunday, the singer shared a cryptic post on his NSWtv, saying his proposed free concert in Burkina Faso has been met with negativity.
He insinuated that “no one is qualified” to tell him what to do or not to do in any African country.
The singer said his integrity is unquestionable, with all the great works he has done in Africa.
It is unclear to whom Burna Boy was directing his statement.
VERDICT
There is no official statement from the Burkina Faso government or any evidence to confirm that Burna Boy’s proposed concert was cancelled by Traore.
