Boston, Massachusetts, has declared 2 March “Burna Boy Day” in honour of the Grammy-winning Nigerian artiste, a gesture that comes as the Afrobeats star extends financial support to families devastated by a recent mass shooting in California.
Burna Boy, whose real name is Damini Ebunolouwa Ogulu pledged to cover the funeral costs of four young people, aged between eight and 21, who were killed when gunmen opened fire during a children’s birthday party in Stockton on 29 November.
Police said 11 others were injured in the attack at Monkey Space, a banquet hall in unincorporated San Joaquin County, just north of Stockton.
Investigators believe the shooting was targeted, though no arrests had been made as of Tuesday, 2 December.
In a statement obtained by the Stockton Record, Burna Boy said he first learnt of the tragedy while listening to The Breakfast Club radio show.
“When I heard about the children murdered in Stockton, my heart broke. No family should ever face this kind of pain alone. I wanted to do whatever I could to support these parents as they begin the long process of healing,” he said.
The singer reached out to talent manager Wack 100, co-founder of Cash Money Records, who in turn connected him with Stockton’s vice mayor, Jason Lee.
Burna Boy was said to be particularly moved by the story of 14-year-old Amari Peterson, a Modesto teenager remembered for his love of football and basketball, and who had been planning for college.
In addition, a GoFundMe page set up to support his parents has drawn widespread sympathy.
Vice Mayor Lee welcomed the artiste’s intervention. “I want to thank Burna Boy for his support of families and children he has never met but still felt moved to help. Let his generosity serve as an example: so many people want to help but may not know how, and our community needs that support now more than ever.”
The developments come as Burna Boy faces a backlash over his conduct during a 12 November performance in Colorado, where he halted his show to reprimand a couple who appeared to be sleeping.
Critics called for boycotts, and his subsequent concerts, including a scheduled 18 November show at Oakland Arena, saw dips in attendance.
Amid the fallout, he cancelled two US tour dates: Minneapolis on 28 November and Chicago on 1 December.
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