Renowned record producer Olumide Ogunade, widely known as ID Cabasa, has cast doubt on Burna Boy’s recent assertion that he declined a $5 million offer to perform in Dubai due to restrictions on public smoking in the Emirati city. ID Cabasa shared his perspective in the latest episode of The Honest Bunch Podcast, co-hosted by actor Chinedu Ani Emmanuel, popularly known as Nedu.
During the podcast, Nedu questioned Burna Boy’s reported reason for turning down the lucrative gig, expressing curiosity about whether the singer’s alleged addiction to smoking influenced his decision. In response, ID Cabasa candidly shared his thoughts on the matter.
“When I saw that stuff online, two things came to my mind, and I will be truthful. I felt that it was a media stunt. That thing was not true. It’s $5 million we are talking about here,” ID Cabasa remarked.
He continued, “And if it’s actually true, Burna Boy is an adult, that is his own decision. But if I were the one that was offered $5 million―I don’t even smoke―don’t give me $5 million, just give me $3 million, I will even come to the show with extra artistes.”
Burna Boy made headlines when, during a rehearsal with his band, Outsiders, he claimed to have rejected a $5 million offer to perform in Dubai because of the prohibition on smoking weed in public spaces.
ID Cabasa’s skepticism sheds light on the entertainment industry’s occasional use of media stunts to generate buzz and publicity. As discussions around Burna Boy’s purported rejection continue, it remains to be seen whether further details will emerge to clarify the situation.