Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy, also known as Damini Ogulu and hailing from Nigeria, recently revealed that he turned down a $5 million offer to perform in Dubai. The reason for this surprising decision was Burna Boy’s concern over the strict anti-marijuana laws in the UAE.
In Dubai, smoking marijuana is strictly forbidden by Emirati legislation, especially in public areas like parks and beaches. Burna Boy made this revelation during a freestyle session with his band, Outsiders. In a video circulating on the social media platform, X, he expressed his reasoning, saying, “Just now I turned down Dubai money, 5 million dollars na small thing cos me I no dey like to dey go where dem no go gree allow me smoke igbo.”
During this freestyle, Burna Boy also took a moment to throw some shade at Brymo, another artist. While performing a live rendition that many believe to be a freestyle or a new song, Burna Boy encouraged others to hustle so they wouldn’t end up like Brymo.
The news of Burna Boy declining the $5 million Dubai concert offer due to the UAE’s strict marijuana laws surprised many in the music industry. Emirati law is clear about the prohibition of smoking in parks, beaches, and various other public recreation areas in Dubai.