Seeing the anti-Burna trend among some Nigerians really saddens me. I am indifferent towards Burna Boy and cannot even name one of his songs. But he is a Nigerian, and he deserves my solidarity. Being Nigerian ought to count for something! But sadly, many of us, as Nigerians, derive an unhealthy satisfaction from destroying what we did not build.
Even if the young man is having challenges overseas, we as a people should not be part of that storm. We should nurture and help him overcome any issues he may be facing.
Think back to when Tyla faced heavy criticism from African Americans who tried to cancel her after she described herself as a 'South African coloured', which set off a storm in America, where she was labelled an uppity African. Don't you recall how South Africans stood by her and fought back? They took to every platform to hit back at Americans, saying that her self-identification as 'Coloured' was correct within the South African context, as South Africa is famously a rainbow country.
Isn't that what we as Nigerians are meant to do for Burna Boy? We ought to call for understanding of his actions during his tour and make people understand that it was not done with ill intent, but is just part of the Nigerian aura, which we can sometimes take too far as a people.
Whatever Burna's perceived failings, we can address them internally and secretly. But when we lead the anti-Burna Boy chorus, it makes us look like animals who devour their own young!
I remember how some of our people tried to turn on Rema, the wunderkind, just because he was seen smoking! Can you imagine? As if the boy joined a monastery and is meant to live as a monk.
Just cigarettes and those who did not contribute to Rema's growth were vibrating with anger. Meanwhile, how many American stars have been torn down by their populace because they were seen snorting hard drugs? Few to none!
We often wait for people to die, like MohBad, before we show them love! While he was alive, how many of us even knew MohBad?
Think back to all the positive image rebranding that came Nigeria's way because of Burna Boy, known internationally as the African Giant. Do we want to lose a giant because of a Lilliputian foible? Does that even make economic sense?
Many foreigners only have a positive image of Nigeria and Nigerians because of people like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Nollywood stars. It is in our own enlightened self-interest to protect these brands.
Anyway, I am quite satisfied that since we did not make him, we cannot break him. The latest talent in the giant will act as his repellent against the intolerant, even as he remains defiant.
Credit To: Reno Omokri
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