“No PTSD abroad,” Nigerians react as VeryDarkMan criticises Burna Boy for walking off stage

• Burna Boy was criticised for kicking a fan off the stage and walking out of a concert mid-performance 
• He claimed to have experienced PTSD when the fan rushed to the stage
• VeryDarkMan condemns Burna Boy's actions, emphasising the need for artistes to manage their emotions

Nigerian critic and social media influencer Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Burna Boy's recent concert in Nigeria. 

Afrobeat artiste Damini Ogulu Burna Boy made headlines after kicking a fan off the stage and abruptly ending his performance. This triggered a heated debate among fans and critics alike.

Burna Boy defended his actions during the stage drama, citing discomfort with fans jumping on stage and his struggles with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). 

However, VeryDarkMan questioned the artist's claim, pointing out that his PTSD only seems to be triggered in Nigeria.

In his video, VeryDarkMan shared two contrasting videos of Burna Boy's performances—one in Nigeria, where he kicked a fan off stage, and another abroad, where he invited a fan on stage and praised him. 

The critic argued that if Burna Boy's PTSD was genuinely triggered by fans rushing the stage, it would have happened in other countries as well.

While acknowledging that fans should not have been on the stage in the first place, VeryDarkMan condemned Burna Boy's actions, stating that he was 1000 per cent wrong to kick a fan off the stage. The critic emphasised that as a public figure, Burna Boy has a responsibility to manage his emotions and respond appropriately to challenging situations.

He stated: “By now you all have seen how Burna Boy kicked a fan on stage and left the stage and the same Burna Boy who brought out a fan on stage abroad. I will not be biased, which is why I  would not entirely blame Burna Boy. 

“Why would you go to a show and then go on stage? If everybody had the mindset to jump on the stage, what would have happened? Comparing the two videos, Burna Boy could be in the mood, hence bringing up the fans. 

“I am not saying that he did was right, because it was 1000 per cent wrong. But what are you doing going on stage in a place like Lagos?  Everybody talking about the issue, but think about it from a different angle, what if the fan had an ulterior motive? What if he had a gun, poison or something dangerous? A lot of things could have happened.

“What was wrong about the issue was the aggressive approach he took, and now he is blaming it on PTSD. 

“Again, we need to understand that you are going to a show to enjoy it not become the highlight. And Burna Boy should take it easy on how he addresses Nigerians because it is becoming too much, your music made you.

“People when you go for shows, enjoy it and don't be the show, a lot of things can happen in a spilt second and artistes, learn to be hospitable to your fans.” 

Nigerians react to Burna Boy's PTSD claims 

Many Nigerians have initiated a wider conversation about the PTSD claim.

Here are some reactions below:

@PrinCely_WhitE commented: “The PTSD no dy kick in for Yankee..... Funny guy😂😂” 

@29rocketboy commented: “Bro it’s a free show with no proper security check, na person wey don go free show go understand. Me and my went to a show venue to pick our shows the next day 😂 

Yankee security check is different from Naija and why can’t lie, na why we dey japa sef 😂 

Imagine the guy stab am”

@elmannygram commented’ “Valid reasons to walk away”

@oyebanji_akins posted: “Why are Nigerians so entitled and short-sighted when it comes to our artists? Judging Burna Boy for walking off stage at his recent Lagos show based on one incident is unfair. Most Nigerians don’t even understand the silent battle of PTSD, where past traumas can stifle creativity while art becomes both a refuge and a trigger. Let’s not forget his powerful statement when “AKA” was murdered in South Africa. Instead of blaming him, why not question the organizers for failing to ensure his safety?..”

@simoncoleB commented: “See people commenting nonsense for comments section just because you all have a preconceived hate for someone. Someone says he doesn't like something, but you do it to him nevertheless and then dictate to him how he should  react. Y'all are amazing in this country and deserve your leaders. Each person has his or her likes and dislikes and boundaries .If he or she tells you I hate certain stuff then don't do it. Laughing that odogwu dey get PTSD. Do many of you even know what PTSD is before you start laughing or y'all just want to comment for likes.  People go to war and hate quick movement or loud bangs because of what they have experience before. Burnaboy might not have had a good experience with Nigerians jumping on stage to meet him especially when you know most of them never liked you from day 1.He lost someone close to him a while back. So he sets boundaries.Respect people's boundaries. He doesn't like it, means he doesn't like it. Don't dictate how someone should react to your disobedience. Gtfoh with the unnecessary hate.”

“Y’all are lucky,” Burna Boy tells critics who questioned his sexuality in viral video

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Afrobeats singer Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, replied to critics over his recent viral performance video that sparked controversy on social media. 

The video captured Burna Boy’s entrance at a recent concert as he walked through to the stage with a gearing hype to get the crowd, his walking step sparked viral controversy among netizens, with insinuation on how the singer appeared feminine and raised questions about his sexuality.