Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy has revealed the unsettling reason behind his unexpected departure from the stage during his much-anticipated performance at the Greater Lagos Countdown 2025. The superstar faced a storm of social media criticism after a fan breached security, forcing him to abruptly end his performance.
The drama unfolded on New Year’s Eve, as Burna Boy, one of the main headliners of the event, took the stage before a raucous Lagos crowd. But just as he was delivering a high-energy performance, an uninvited fan stormed the stage, causing an immediate disruption. The chaotic moment was captured in a viral video, which showed Burna Boy seemingly kicking the intruder before security swiftly escorted the fan off the stage.
This unexpected turn of events left many questioning Burna Boy’s reaction, with some viewers accusing him of overreacting. The incident quickly made headlines across various social media platforms, with mixed opinions from fans and critics alike.
Taking to his Instagram Story, Burna Boy addressed the situation, offering a heartfelt explanation for his actions. He opened up about a deeply personal struggle that had fueled his decision to leave the stage.
“I have PTSD,” Burna Boy shared with his followers, shedding light on his mental health condition. “Everybody knows my rule about getting on stage and startling me when I’m performing.”
Burna Boy’s revelation about his battle with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was a surprise to many, considering his public image as a confident, larger-than-life figure. The award-winning artist went on to emphasize that stage invasions are a serious issue for him and can trigger intense reactions due to his PTSD, which he has been open about in the past.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, he continued, “It was a free show. I was supposed to do 10 minutes and did almost an hour. I had an amazing time with Lagos State last night. But don’t jump on my stage like that! I got PTSD. I love you all. Happy New Year.”
Burna Boy’s statement clarified the confusion surrounding the incident, highlighting his long-standing rule against uninvited stage invasions, regardless of the fan’s intent. In the same post, he also expressed his gratitude to the people of Lagos for the warm reception during his performance.
While the stage invasion incident was certainly a jarring one, Burna Boy’s comments sparked a broader conversation about the mental health challenges faced by celebrities and the importance of respecting boundaries, even during live performances.
Background on Burna Boy’s Struggle with PTSD
Burna Boy’s candid admission about his PTSD comes as a surprise to some, as the singer has often appeared invincible on stage, commanding audiences with his powerful performances and chart-topping hits. However, PTSD, which can develop after experiencing or witnessing traumatic events, is a condition that many high-profile individuals silently battle, far from the public eye.
Burna Boy’s openness about his condition is a reminder that even global stars are not immune to the psychological toll that public life can bring. PTSD can manifest in various ways, including flashbacks, heightened anxiety, and unexpected emotional responses to specific triggers — in this case, an unexpected stage invasion during a live performance.
Although Burna Boy did not go into detail about the origins of his PTSD, he has previously alluded to the pressures and challenges that come with stardom. His career has been marked by both intense global success and personal struggles, including navigating the complexities of fame and the expectations placed on him.
The Greater Lagos Countdown 2025 was one of the city’s most anticipated New Year’s Eve events, bringing together top Nigerian artists for a night of music, celebration, and fireworks. Burna Boy, known for his global hit songs like “Last Last” and “Anybody,” was one of the major attractions of the evening. His performance was highly anticipated, with fans eager to witness his unique blend of Afrobeat and international music influence.
However, what was supposed to be an unforgettable performance took an unexpected turn due to the stage invasion. The fan, whose identity remains unknown, jumped onto the stage during a particularly energetic moment in Burna Boy’s performance. Security personnel quickly intervened, but not before the situation escalated briefly.
The fan’s sudden appearance caught Burna Boy off guard, prompting his decision to leave the stage. According to onlookers, Burna Boy appeared visibly shaken by the incident. As the fan was escorted off the stage, Burna Boy took a moment to collect himself, before the decision was made to cut the performance short.
Although Burna Boy’s exit left the crowd disappointed, the show continued with other performers, and the Greater Lagos Countdown went on to become a night of unforgettable memories for many.
