Nigerian Grammy-winning music star, Damini Ogulu, famously known as Burna Boy, has once again captured headlines, but this time not for his musical exploits. The “Last Last” crooner fulfilled his promise of gifting $30,000 to Bethel Okechukwu, a man who claims to be a struggling phone repairer and allegedly the brother of socialite Cubana Chief Priest.
The story, which has captivated Nigerians on social media, began with a fiery online exchange between Burna Boy and Cubana Chief Priest last Saturday. What started as a clash of words quickly escalated into one of generosity and life-changing impact.
The drama unfolded when a video surfaced online showing Bethel Okechukwu lamenting his struggles as a phone repairer, despite claiming ties to the flamboyant socialite Cubana Chief Priest. The video, shared by Burna Boy himself, painted a stark contrast to the opulent lifestyle associated with Cubana.
In the video, Burna Boy, addressing his millions of followers, captioned, “Find him for me. I want to give him $30,000.” The statement sent social media platforms into a frenzy, with fans and critics debating the motives and implications of the artiste’s gesture. Was it an act of kindness or a calculated move in his ongoing feud with Cubana?
On Sunday, Burna Boy made good on his promise. Videos surfaced online showing Bethel Okechukwu meeting the Afrobeats star in a celebratory atmosphere at a nightclub. In one of the clips, Okechukwu was seen kneeling in gratitude as he received the monetary gift, which he later confirmed in an emotional Instagram post.
“God is real,” Okechukwu wrote, tagging Burna Boy. “Odogwu @BurnaBoygram, God has used you to pull me out of poverty. I will be forever grateful. Please, thank him for me 🙌🙌.”
The overwhelmed beneficiary also posted a heartfelt video, urging Nigerians to appreciate Burna Boy for his life-changing generosity.
The act of kindness, however, has not erased the tensions between Burna Boy and Cubana Chief Priest. The pair, known for their influential statuses in Nigeria’s entertainment scene, have often found themselves at odds. While the specifics of their latest brawl remain murky, insiders suggest it could be linked to Burna Boy’s habit of making bold, often controversial statements on social media.
Cubana, known for his flamboyance and connections with Nigeria’s elite, has yet to comment on the unfolding events. Social media, however, has not held back, with some users applauding Burna Boy’s gesture while others criticized the singer for allegedly using the situation to taunt Cubana.
This isn’t the first time Burna Boy has made headlines for his philanthropy. Just last year, the Afrobeats star, alongside his foundation The Reach, impacted over 300 beneficiaries through community initiatives. Whether it’s funding educational programs or supporting underprivileged communities, Burna Boy’s generosity often takes center stage.
However, the artiste’s polarizing personality remains a topic of public discourse. While his boldness and confidence have earned him fans globally, his outspoken nature often rubs others the wrong way, fueling controversies that trail his every move.
Nigerians on social media were quick to weigh in on the development. Some praised Burna Boy’s gesture as a much-needed ray of hope in challenging times. “We need more people like Burna Boy in this country,” a Twitter user wrote. Another user quipped, “Only Odogwu can fight you and still bless someone close to you. King things!”
Others, however, viewed the act as a calculated move. “This is Burna Boy’s way of making a statement in his feud with Cubana. Let’s not forget the context,” another tweet read.
Beyond the drama and personal sentiments, Burna Boy’s act of generosity underscores the stark socio-economic realities many Nigerians face. With a significant percentage of the population living below the poverty line, stories like Okechukwu’s resonate deeply with the public. His rise from a struggling phone repairer to someone financially uplifted overnight is a tale of hope and possibility.
The incident also raises questions about the responsibilities of Nigeria’s elite toward the less privileged. While Burna Boy’s gesture is commendable, it highlights the need for systemic changes that address the root causes of poverty.
As Burna Boy continues to dominate global music charts and cement his place in Afrobeats history, his actions off-stage remain a mix of controversy and compassion. His latest gesture adds a new layer to his complex public persona—an artiste who doesn’t shy away from confrontation but is equally capable of touching lives in profound ways.
For Bethel Okechukwu, this is more than just a windfall. It’s a fresh start, courtesy of a superstar who, despite his faults, remains true to his title as “Odogwu,” a term of respect and reverence in Igbo culture.
