The incident occurred during the U.S. leg of his No Sign of Weakness Tour on 12 November 2025. A show that also marked Burna Boy’s historic achievement as the first Nigerian artist to headline and sell out the 9,500-capacity venue. Despite reportedly being under the weather, Burna Boy delivered his usual high-energy performance until he noticed the pair seated directly in front of the stage.

Mid-performance, he stopped the music and confronted the couple, visibly irritated by their lack of engagement.

“When I stand up here and see you over there with your girl sleeping in front of me, it pisses me off ,” he said, before ordering the man to “take her home.” Burna Boy then vowed not to continue the concert until the couple left, saying, “I’m not doing another song till you go home. Wallahi I’m not doing another song until you go home.”

Security later escorted the pair out of the amphitheatre to mixed reactions from the audience with some cheering and others appearing shocked. The “City Boys” hitmaker resumed his set moments later, performing fan favourites like Ye and Last Last.

Explaining his outburst, Burna Boy hinted that the action was about maintaining the energy and respect expected at his shows. Fans familiar with his performances recall a similar moment at a 2019 Atlanta concert when he asked a fan to leave for being “too dull” in the front row.

However, reactions on social media have been sharply divided. While some users on X (formerly Twitter) praised Burna Boy’s no-nonsense attitude, arguing that the front row should reflect the highest enthusiasm, others criticised him for overreacting. Some users slammed Burna Boy for arrogance and lack of empathy.

“Let me see the artiste that’ll walk me out of a concert I paid for because I dozed off for a sec madness!” one fan wrote. Another added, “Imagine paying VIP money only to be embarrassed and sent home. Ego louder than the bass.”

Others questioned his approach: “Before humiliating her on mic, he could’ve asked if she was okay. Could’ve been exhaustion or a medical issue.” One user said, “Refusing to perform until they left was emotional blackmail and too much ego.

Still, some defended him, saying they should not disrupt his energy. “Lmao Burna is unhinged but he’s not wrong. Why are you in the front role sleeping? You’re disrupting his energy”.