Bose Ogulu, mother and manager of Grammy award-winning singer, Burna Boy, has revealed that her son wasn’t given N10 million as promised by Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, in March.
It would be recalled that at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards which held on Sunday, March 14, 2021, two Nigerians – Burna Boy and Wizkid – grabbed the highly coveted award.
Read Also: Breaking: Burna Boy Wins Grammy Award For ‘Twice As Tall’ Album
While Burna Boy took home the Grammy Award for ‘Best Global Music Album‘ with his 2020 project ‘Twice as Tall‘, Wizkid’s win came courtesy of his feature on Beyonce’s ‘Brown Skin Girl‘, which won the award for ‘Best Video’.
Read Also: Best Music Video: Beyoncé, Wizkid, Blue Ivy Win Grammy Award For ‘Brown Skin Girl’
In order to honour the River-born artiste, Governor Nyesom Wike host a homecoming reception in Port Harcourt on Saturday, March 27, 2021.
During the event, governor announced cash rewards for all the artistes who performed on the night–including Burna Boy, who was promised N10m and a land.
The gesture was heavily criticized on social media, slamming Burna Boy for being hypocritical by receiving gifts from same politicians he lampoons in his songs.
Notwithstanding criticisms, Governor Wike redeemed his promises to the artistes and the announcement was made in a statement.
Read Also: Gov Wike Redeems N10m Pledge To Each Artistes That Performed At Burna Boy’s Homecoming Party
However, Burna Boy’s mum in an interview with TV presenter, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu on his Rubbin’ Minds show said her son wasn’t given any N10 million.
She expressed;
The first thing was that money wasn’t paid, by the way. It was paid to everyone else but him. Everyone else who came to perform was paid, but him, because they were honouring him. He wasn’t being paid to be there. It is only a bastard, my people say, that refuses honour in his father’s house.
She added that she didn’t pay too much attention to the backlash on social media; and that Burna Boy isn’t about to go soft on politicians or Nigeria’s leadership elite because he was honoured by his state governor.
Ogulu expressed;
I didn’t pay too much attention to it, to be honest. I was too busy. But the facts are very clear: this man was honoured because he got the highest award in his field in the world.
He was honoured because he brought that award home. Why did he get that award? Making the same music that speaks the truth. So, I don’t think anybody was trying to buy him to their side or not.
She stressed;
I think it is very clear to everyone that the man would always make the music he wants to make, whether it is for fun or didactics…whatever…he would continue to do that. It wasn’t a deal. It wasn’t a case of let’s honour you but you will not abuse us again o. That didn’t come into the conversation. It was very wise that it was done. I was particularly impressed because if any other state had done it before Rivers, it would have been shocking.
Watch the video of Bose Ogulu speaking during the interview below;
“Money wasn’t paid” to Burna for the Rivers State reception. pic.twitter.com/sz9NhOq9zc
— Ebuka Obi-Uchendu (@Ebuka) May 10, 2021
