- Reno Omokri calls on Nigerians to stop attacking Burna Boy online.
- Says backlash against Burna Boy damages Nigeria’s global image.
- Urges Nigeria to show solidarity like South Africans defended Tyla.
- Warns that pulling down Burna Boy is the same as dragging the country down.
Former presidential aide to Goodluck Jonathan and social commentator, Reno Omokri, has asked Nigerians to stop the online criticism and negative reactions directed at Burna Boy. According to him, Burna Boy continues to represent Nigeria globally, and tearing him down benefits no one.
Omokri shared the message in a statement on his social media pages on Saturday. He described the anti-Burna online trend as “unnecessary, sad and damaging” to the country’s reputation.
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He reminded the public that the global rise of Burna Boy was not primarily driven by Nigerians, but that should not become a reason to celebrate when the singer faces challenges abroad.
“Burna Boy has repeatedly said Nigerians did not make him, and that he rose to the top because of foreigners. To a large extent, he is right. Now, since we did not push him up, the least we can do is not pull him down,” Omokri wrote.
Omokri also admitted he is not a fan of Burna Boy’s music but believes patriotism should come before personal taste.
“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,” he added.
He compared the situation to how South Africans recently defended their star Tyla when she faced criticism abroad over comments about her identity. He argued that South Africans protect their own celebrities, while Nigerians tend to drag theirs.
Omokri stressed that whatever mistakes Burna Boy may have made should be addressed privately and not used as ammunition to discredit him publicly.
“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!”
Omokri further noted that this behavior is not new among Nigerians, referencing past reactions toward MohBad and Rema. He warned that excessive criticism of homegrown stars cheapens Nigeria’s image.
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According to him, Burna Boy, Wizkid and Nollywood actors continue to shape a positive global impression of Nigeria, something that should be protected.
“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,” Omokri said.
He concluded that no matter the controversy, Burna Boy’s achievements speak for themselves.
“Since we did not make him, we cannot break him.”
