As Burna Boy navigates the turbulent waters of his current US tour, renowned music journalist and cultural critic Joey Akan has stepped forward with a nuanced, powerful defense of the Afrobeats giant.
Amidst swirling rumors of cancellations and online glee at perceived struggles, Akan—founder of Afrobeats Intelligence—has offered a sobering perspective on what Burna Boy represents for Nigeria and the genre as a whole.
In a statement that cuts through the social media noise, Akan acknowledged the artist’s missteps but firmly placed them within the context of a legacy that has redefined African music globally.
“Our Very Own Lisan al-Gaib”
Akan, known for his incisive and often critical takes on the industry, began by clarifying his stance. “My repeated criticism of Burna Boy has always been in his best interest,” he wrote. He described the “African Giant” as a generational talent, using a potent metaphor from Dune: “the most gifted of his generation, our very own Lisan al-Gaib, flying Nigeria’s flag by imposing his creative will on the world.”
This comparison underscores Burna Boy’s messianic role in the global explosion of Afrobeats—a force of nature who hasn’t just participated in the culture but has actively shaped its destiny.
Addressing the “Glee” in His Struggles
Akan expressed shock at the public reaction to the tour’s challenges, specifically the “growing glee in ‘showing him he’s nothing'” and the spread of “false rumours of venue cancellations.”
He conceded that Burna Boy has “played a silly hand” and that some backlash regarding fan treatment is deserved. “When you invite people to commune with your art, their dignity must be assured,” Akan noted, referencing complaints about late starts and performance issues.
However, he argued that the reaction has become disproportionate, fueled by a desire to tear down a figure who has become a symbol of Nigerian excellence.
The Weight of a Nation’s Dreams
The core of Akan’s argument is the immense burden Burna Boy carries. “He may not fully grasp how he carries the dreams of millions of his countrymen,” Akan observed.
He credited Burna Boy with rewriting Nigeria’s global narrative: “Afrobeats wiped our collective shame, rewrote Nigeria’s image, and made us cool worldwide. Burna’s catalogue carried that weight.”
This is the critical context often lost in Twitter threads. Burna Boy is a primary export of Nigerian soft power. His success or failure reverberates far beyond ticket sales, impacting the perception of Nigerian creativity on the world stage.
The Bigger Picture: Authenticity in a Global Market
Akan also touched on the shifting landscape of the global music industry. With Afrobeats now fully globalized and “spliced and remixed far from Lagos,” he warned that Nigeria’s grip on the top tier is loosening. In this climate, Burna Boy remains essential because he makes the case for “authentic local sounds” at the highest level.
“Touring is brutal, and Afrobeats attendance has been dropping,” Akan revealed, highlighting a broader industry trend. “Burna’s tour remains our best shot at a proper, high-level US run that showcases the finest artistry from these parts.”
Conclusion: A Cultural Corrector’s Verdict
Akan’s commentary serves as a vital course correction for the discourse surrounding Burna Boy. While refusing to absolve him of his responsibilities to fans, Akan insists on keeping the “big picture” in view.
“This wasn’t his proudest moment… But big picture? He’s too important to the culture,” Akan concluded. “While I continue to hold him to account, I recognise his movement is bigger than this moment.”
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It is a call for the Nigerian audience to balance between accountability and protection, recognizing that in the high-stakes game of global cultural dominance, Burna Boy remains one of their most valuable players.
