Published by Glory Ugonma Itiafe
Photo Caption: Burnaboygram
On May 17, 2025, Nigerian Afro-fusion artiste and Grammy winner Burna Boy, whose real name is Damini Ogulu, shared his desire to do a free concert in Burkina Faso on @nsw.tv. AfroFrench9ja (@afrofrench9ja) reported that Burna Boy on Instagram said @nsw.tv is dedicated to promoting his latest album, NSW: No sign of weakness. He added that the account would be used to express himself freely outside his main account.
However, some social media users on X quickly claimed the concert was to honour Burkina Faso’s interim president, Ibrahim Traoré, for his leadership and developmental strides. These posts also suggested proceeds would fund national development in the country.
Traoré, a military officer, became the leader of Burkina Faso following a coup in September 2022.
One prominent account, Sahel Revolutionary Soldier (@Cecild84) (archived here), posted on May 17, 2025, that the Nigerian superstar Burna Boy is offering free concerts for the people of Burkina Faso.
“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 modern-time African leader has ever done: bringing the African people together. This is why Westerners are getting anxious. Traore is loved too much for their comfort,” the post reads.
On the same day, another X user, lifeissues11 (@lifeissues_11) (archived here), said that Burna Boy aimed to headline a concert in Burkina Faso to honour Traoré for “making Africa proud.”
Kapital 97.1 FM, a Ghanaian news channel (@kapital971) (archived here), posted a flyer on X with the caption, “Burna Boy to lead a free concert in Burkina Faso in support of Capt. Ibrahim Traoré.”
Another X user, Ahmad S (@air_Ahmad_S) (archived here), further alleged that proceeds would go to Traoré for national development.
Similarly, Gerald Katabazi (@GKatabazi) (archived here) claimed proceeds from the free event would fund development, citing Burna Boy’s typical performance fees and potential financial returns for Burkina Faso.
Accounts like GodlineTrends9ja (@Ibomgodlineblog) (archived here), Fullcurrentgist (@fullcurrentgist) (archived here), and Naija News Page (@NaijaNews31500) (archived here) further helped to spread the unverified news.
Due to the claim’s virality, ongoing discussions, potential for misinformation, political and social implications, existing pattern of AI-driven falsehoods, and the risk of reputational harm, DUBAWA deemed it essential to fact-check.
Verification
Pulse Nigeria reported that Burna Boy shared an Instagram story on May 17, 2025, stating that it would be an honour to give the people of Burkina Faso a free Burna Boy Concert sometime this year.
The story read, “If possible, it will be an honour for me to give the people of Burkina Faso a free Burna Boy Concert sometime this year insha Allah.”
As shown in the screenshot above, Burna Boy referred to the people of Burkina Faso and not Traore’s military prowess or developmental strides. He also didn’t mention sharing any proceeds from the purported free concert with anyone, as rumoured on social media.
Further validating the report, Voice of Nigeria (VON) and MP3Bullet also reported Burnaboy’s announcement, here and here.
VON detailed his Instagram story post on May 19, 2025, expressing his intent to hold a free concert in Burkina Faso.
Similarly, MP3Bullet.ng reported on May 18, 2025, highlighting his heartfelt desire to perform for fans in the country.
Screenshot highlighting the report from Mp3bullet.ng
DUBAWA also conducted a keyword search on Burna Boy’s social media, cross-referencing TikTok, X, and Instagram. We found no results mentioning Traore regarding this “free concert.”
Beyond the concert claim, we discovered that some online channels suggested Burna Boy recorded songs supporting Traoré. These claims stem from YouTube accounts Ai_starrz and AiModiveza, which are known for posting AI-generated music videos impersonating global pop stars. AFP and DUBAWA have debunked claims from these accounts here and here.
Conclusion
The claims that Burna Boy announced a free concert in Burkina Faso to honour President Ibrahim Traoré for his leadership and contributions to African development are misleading.
Burna Boy’s Instagram story on May 17, 2025, stated his desire to perform a free concert for the people of Burkina Faso, with no mention of honouring Traoré or donating proceeds for development. Furthermore, the alleged songs are explicitly labelled AI-generated and lack any credible link to Burna Boy’s discography. DUBAWA urges the public to verify celebrity-related claims through official artist channels or reputable media to avoid spreading misinformation.
