Popular Nigerian singer and Grammy Award winner, Burnaboy, has stated that he has contributed more to Nigeria more than the presidential candidates like, Bola Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi.
He stated this whole responding to a social media critic identified as Ayodeji, on Instagram who chided him over his stand on election in Nigeria.
PUNCH METRO reported that the singer came under fire from many Nigerians over his comments about the just concluded general elections.
Burnaboy had stated that he has not been vocal about elections in Nigeria because he doesn’t want to promote politicians.
“I dunno why it’s such a big deal to some Nigerians that I’ve not been vocal about the elections.
“Personally I don’t have a candidate that I believe in. I’ve never supported any political party or candidate in my life beacause I don’t want to make you vote and then blame me when the person fucks up as usual. That being said, I hope all votes count and the best man wins.”
The statement has continued to draw many reactions from Nigerians, the latest coming from Ayodeyi, who chided the singer for benefitting from politically motivated songs as well as the use of Fela who was known for his political activism to promote his(Burnaboy) music.
Taking to his Instagram page, Ayodeji, wrote, “Dear @burnaboygram let me clear it up for you. It’s a big deal because you position yourself as a politically conscious artist who cares about positive change.
“You have PROFITED off the same, especially internationally talking about colonial hangups/corruption / fighting the power.
“So maybe it’s not so unreasonable that people expect you to use your platform to speak up. And it doesn’t have to be about one candidate.
“That being said, when it has mattered most, you have either talked down to people during moments of civic action or unrest – or not contributed. Your music/brand does not MATCH your actions in real life.
“However, it is your constitutional right to be apathetic. But being surprised that people expect more from you is a little disingenuous”, he added.
Burnaboy while reacting to the comment knocked Ayodeji, whom he (Burnaboy), said has no idea of what he is talking about.
Burnaboy in his response stated that he has actively promoted Nigeria more than all the three presidential candidate in the just concluded election.
“Why una mumu like this? First of all sir. Out of the hundreds of songs have, there are only about 7 songs about these topics and they barely made me any money at all.
“I’ve positively contributed more to Nigeria than you and all 3 candidates combined and neither me nor my parents have ever taken a kobo from the government for any reason, so I’m more than qualified to tell people like you to shut the fuck up when you don’t know what your talking about”, he said.
Replying back to Burnaboy, Ayodele stated, “I’ll respond to this in public because that’s where it started. @burnaboygram.
“1. No one is doubting your “positive contributions” to Nigeria nor did I imply it was a competition for who has contributed the most. Lol?
“2. You’re being disingenuous again. The profit/ position implied here isn’t from individual songs but rather the brand those songs helped build. But you knew that.
“3. You are qualified to tell me to shut the fuck up because it’s a free country- the same way people who are your fans AND GAVE YOU THE CAREER YOU
“HAVE expect more from you. BONUS: OWN YOUR POLITICAL APATHY. BUT don’t wear the freedom fighter uniform when it’s convenient.”
