Nigerian music icon Burna Boy has broken his silence regarding the controversy surrounding his abrupt departure from the stage at the 2025 Greater Lagos Countdown concert.
In an Instagram story, the Afrofusion star revealed that he experiences post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is triggered when he is startled during performances.
This, he explained, was the reason behind his exit on Tuesday night after an enthusiastic fan attempted to grab him on stage.
PTSD is a mental health condition marked by difficulty recovering after witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event.
Burna Boy also appealed to fans to respect his personal boundaries while expressing heartfelt gratitude for their continued support.
“It was a free show. I was supposed to do 10mins and did almost an hour. Everybody knows my rule about getting on stage and startling me when I’m performing,” he wrote.
“I had an amazing time with Lagos State last night. Don’t jump on my stage like that! I got PTSD. I love you all. Happy new year.”
The concert, held at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), was part of an annual celebration spanning the five IBILE divisions of Lagos — Ikorodu, Badagry, Agege, Epe, and Lagos Island.
The event featured performances by top artists, including Olamide, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Adekunle Gold, Seyi Vibez, 9ice, BNXN, and the renowned Fuji maestro, Adewale Ayuba.