Fatimah Otunsanya
The Nigerian DJ Association has announced a temporary ban on all Burna Boy songs, directing DJs in Nigeria and abroad to remove the artiste from their playlists following a reported clash between the singer and DJ Tunez at a private Lagos event.
Hours earlier, Burna Boy and members of his crew were alleged to have been involved in a physical altercation with Disc Jockey Michael Babatunde Adeyinka, popularly known as DJ Tunez.
Eyewitness accounts circulating online claimed the incident took place inside a nightclub, where a disagreement escalated into a confrontation. Multiple individuals were said to have been involved, with DJ Tunez reportedly assaulted during the scuffle.
Reacting in a statement shared on Instagram on Tuesday, the Nigerian DJ Association declared support for DJ Tunez, instructing all DJs to maintain solidarity and uphold professionalism within the entertainment space.
The DJ body posted, “Showing their support for Tunez, the Nigerian DJ Association has issued a press statement to all disc jockeys to avoid playing the singer’s song. The association stated that no one is born hating another person because of their skin colour, religion, background, or gender.
“Dear NDJ, No one is born hating another because of the skin colour, religion, background or gender. People simply learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can also be taught to love since love comes naturally to the human heart more than its opposite.
“Please note: Here at NigerianDJ, we put all our DJs first, standing firm on “ALL DJs are EQUAL,” and offering a transparent, personal service to help our DJs and clients achieve their goals and ambitions, both at home and in the Diaspora.
“Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? Such are the places where every Male and Female #NDJ seek equal justice, equal opportunity and equal dignity without discrimination, irrespective of where it’s coming from, be it from a fellow NDJ or NON NDJ. Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Without concerned our #NDJ actions to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world of DJing in Nigeria as a whole.”
“However, we plead with all communities #NDJ to please be tolerant—to reject prejudice based on cast, creed, sect, religion or gender. Please ensure freedom and equality for all DJs nationwide so they can flourish. We cannot all succeed when half of us are being held back.
“The NigerianDJ is fully against the Discrimination of any of its #NDJ.
“Burna Boy’s music is temporarily out of any of our DJs’ playlists till further notice. Our team will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident that occurred last night involving one of our own, DJ Tunez. We urge DJs in Nigeria as a whole to be vigilant and respectful toward any male or female artist at their events.”
As yet, no official response has been received from Burna Boy’s management team.
