Bose Ogulu, mother and manager of Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Burna Boy, has defended her son amid renewed online criticism describing him as arrogant.
The controversy follows a recent altercation involving Burna Boy and Wizkid’s disc jockey, DJ Tunez, at a Lagos nightclub, an incident that quickly escalated into a wider social media clash between fans of both artistes.
In the aftermath, Burna Boy faced fresh backlash online, with critics accusing him of repeated confrontational behaviour and questioning his public attitude.
However, speaking during an interview with Ebuka Obi-Uchendu on Channels Television, Bose Ogulu dismissed the criticism and said she is unbothered by how the singer is perceived.
When asked whether she was concerned about Burna Boy’s public image, she said she has no issue with labels attached to him, including arrogance.
“I don’t mind honestly, I don’t mind at all. Any adjective they want to attach to you is okay. The thing is, who are you?” she said.
She argued that confidence in one’s identity should not be mistaken for arrogance, adding that knowing one’s worth is a strength rather than a flaw.
“If knowing your worth and carrying yourself as such is arrogant, then it is a good thing. And I can’t apologise for that,” she stated.
Ogulu also reflected on broader societal expectations, saying people—especially Africans and women—are often conditioned to be modest even when they are accomplished.
She added that she believes in self-assurance and accountability, insisting that those who doubt competence should be willing to test it.
Her remarks have since sparked mixed reactions online, with supporters praising her confidence while critics argue it reflects the same attitude often associated with Burna Boy’s public persona.
The debate adds another layer to the ongoing conversation around celebrity behaviour, fame, and public perception in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
