In a recent sit-down on the Afropolitan Podcast, veteran Nigerian music executive and current Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Obi Asika, opened up about the uphill battle Burna Boy faced on his path to international superstardom.
Reflecting on the Grammy winner’s early days in the industry, Asika recalled how Burna Boy, now commanding over a million dollars per show, once struggled to find a stage—even when he was willing to perform for free.
“This same Burna Boy that’s a million dollars plus today, they be blocking him,” Asika revealed. “He’s from Port Harcourt, he’s not from Lagos, so they be blocking him.”
Asika went on to highlight the systemic barriers Burna Boy had to overcome, suggesting that the geographical and industry politics in Nigeria worked against him.
“The same Burna Boy has bypassed everybody and exploded and now he can’t be blocked anymore,” he added, pointing to the resilience and eventual triumph of the global Afrofusion star.
His comments shed light on an era where proximity to Lagos—the heart of Nigeria’s entertainment industry—could make or break a rising artist, and how Burna Boy’s outsider status added an extra layer of difficulty.
Burna Boy, in response to Asika’s remarks, took to social media to share his side of the story—and according to him, Asika’s account only scratches the surface. “This is not even half of the story,” he posted.
“They did everything they possibly could to break me. They are even still trying their best lol. But all they did was create this unquenchable FIRE that will continue to burn them for eternity.”
His statement reflects a deep-rooted frustration with the Nigerian music ecosystem and an ongoing belief that elements within the industry still view his success with resistance, if not outright hostility.
Throughout his career, Burna Boy has maintained a contentious relationship with the Nigerian media and music industry at large. He has previously accused several players—both behind the scenes and in the public eye—of blacklisting him, especially during the early stages of his career.
These claims have only fueled his reputation as an industry rebel who refused to conform to traditional systems and gatekeepers.
Asika’s remarks appear to validate parts of Burna’s long-standing narrative, offering rare insight from someone respected within both the cultural and entertainment sectors.
The tension between Burna Boy and the local industry is often cited as one of the reasons behind his sometimes dismissive tone toward the Nigerian music scene.
Despite being one of Nigeria’s biggest musical exports, Burna has frequently expressed disappointment in the very system that birthed him.
This complicated relationship has drawn both criticism and sympathy, depending on whom you ask. Yet, there’s no denying that his journey from being allegedly sidelined to filling stadiums worldwide is a story of grit, defiance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Obi Asika’s candid reflection adds new depth to this ongoing conversation, offering context to Burna Boy’s stance and affirming that his struggles were not imagined.
Asika, known for his decades-long contributions to Nigerian music and culture, chose to speak not just about Burna Boy’s obstacles but also about the power of resilience.
“What matters in the end is that talent always finds a way,” he said. “And Burna is proof that no matter how many times you’re blocked, if you stay focused and fight hard, the world will hear you.”
