Social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has disclosed an alleged warning he received from Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Burna Boy concerning the risks of publicly advocating for Nigerians.
VeryDarkMan made the revelation in a recent video while discussing the challenges he has faced as an outspoken social media commentator. According to him, Burna Boy cautioned that people he was defending could eventually turn against him.
The activist quoted the singer as warning that Nigerians could “backstab” him and even “put knife in your neck” if given the opportunity.
“Burna Boy warned me, he said the Nigerians I’m fighting for will backstab me. They’ll put knife in your neck if they have the opportunity. Fighting for Nigerians is tiring,” VeryDarkMan said.
VeryDarkMan said Burna Boy’s advice was based partly on the singer’s own experience with public criticism. He claimed that Burna Boy had encouraged him to remain cautious after observing the backlash surrounding some of his activities.
The activist also referred to an incident involving Burna Boy at a concert in the United Kingdom, where the singer reportedly asked an individual to leave the venue. VeryDarkMan argued that the subsequent calls from some Nigerians to cancel the musician demonstrated how quickly public support can change.
He questioned why Nigerians would turn against an internationally recognised artiste over the incident, particularly given Burna Boy’s achievements in promoting Nigerian music globally.
The revelation has generated discussion online about public advocacy, criticism and the expectations placed on individuals who position themselves as voices for others.
VeryDarkMan has become a prominent social media personality through his commentary on government, politics, entertainment and social issues. His outspoken approach has earned him both strong support and criticism.
Burna Boy, meanwhile, remains one of Nigeria’s most internationally recognised Afrobeats artistes, with multiple awards and global collaborations.
VeryDarkMan’s account of the conversation is his personal recollection, and Burna Boy has not publicly confirmed the reported warning at the time of writing. The episode nevertheless highlights the difficult relationship between public advocacy, celebrity influence and changing public opinion in Nigeria.
