Joey Akan criticizes Burna Boy’s ‘African Giant’ exit as self-destruction

Renowned Nigerian music journalist, Joey Akan, has delivered a scathing critique of Burna Boy following the singer’s recent declaration about letting go of his “African Giant” identity.

Earlier this week, Burna Boy stunned fans with a cryptic message suggesting that the “African Giant” had died and been replaced by a new persona, “Big 7,” created to guard his broken heart. The post sparked widespread reactions online, and now, Joey Akan has weighed in with a blistering commentary.

In a fiery post shared via X, Joey challenged Burna Boy’s narrative of betrayal by his people, describing the singer’s transformation as self-inflicted and a product of “the madness of success.”

According to the journalist, Burna Boy’s global rise, particularly after projects like Twice As Tall, saw him gradually distance himself from Nigeria and African culture. Joey recalled several controversies involving Burna Boy, including moments where the Grammy winner openly insulted Nigerian fans, dismissed the local culture as “substance-less,” physically attacked concertgoers, and publicly blamed his audience for his frustrations.

“The ‘African Giant’ wasn’t killed by his people. It was suicide, a self-killing induced by an overdose of success,” Joey wrote. He argued that after Burna Boy became an international star, he began to alienate the very culture and fanbase that elevated him.

Joey described the singer’s recent actions, including limiting his music to concertgoers and sending mixed messages to Nigerian fans, as narcissistic and self-destructive. “You cut yourself and bled on Nigerians. And when we protested, you called us poor,” he added.

The journalist concluded by lamenting that while Burna Boy was once celebrated as the voice of his people, his ascent to global fame has come at the cost of goodwill back home, accusing him of turning his back on the very audience that made him a star.

“African Giant” was not killed by ‘his people.’ It was suicide. Suicide induced by an abundance of success.

After advocating for his people on a successful protest-esque project, Burna Boy’s subsequent ascent into global pop recognition came with a personal realisation that his…

— Joey Akan (@JoeyAkan) May 22, 2025 Get Fresh updates from NotJustOk as they drop via X and Facebook