Nigerian singer-songwriter Burna Boy is providing major support to the families impacted by the recent mass shooting in Stockton.
The Afrobeats artist has committed to paying the funeral expenses for the four young victims, ages 8 to 21, who were killed during a children’s birthday celebration on Saturday, Nov. 29.
According to police, 11 additional people were injured in the attack at Monkey Space, a banquet venue in unincorporated San Joaquin County just north of Stockton.
“When I heard about the children murdered in Stockton, my heart broke,” Burna Boy said in a statement obtained by the Stockton Record, noting that he learned of the tragedy while listening to The Breakfast Club radio show.
He then reached out to Wack 100, a talent manager and co-founder of Cash Money Records, who helped connect him with Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee.
“No family should ever face this kind of pain alone,” Burna Boy added. “I wanted to do whatever I could to support these parents as they begin the long process of healing.”
Reports say the singer was especially touched by the story of 14-year-old Amari Peterson, one of the four victims.
The Modesto teenager—who played football and basketball—had been preparing for college, according to a GoFundMe campaign created to help his family cover funeral costs.
As of Tuesday, Dec. 2, authorities have made no arrests, though they believe the shooting was targeted.
“I want to thank Burna Boy for his support of families and children he has never met but still felt moved to help,” Vice Mayor Lee said. “Let his generosity serve as an example: so many people want to help but may not know how — and our community needs that support now more than ever.”
Burna Boy, whose legal name is Damini Ebunolouwa Ogulu, has recently faced public criticism after stopping a Nov. 12 show in Colorado to confront a couple who seemed to be asleep during his performance.
Following backlash, fans boycotted some of his later shows, including his Nov. 18 concert at the Oakland Arena.
He has since canceled two U.S. tour dates: Minneapolis on Nov. 28 and Chicago on Dec. 1.
