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Burna Boyis on time.
In fact, the Afrobeats star is early, to the pleasant surprise of his fans whoknow otherwise.
Thats enough time, Burnas cousin Shawn Ogulu assures me, because Burna knows the show backward and forward.
Burna Boy in his designated Citi Field golf cart, waiting to go onstage to start the show.
In his dressing room with his sister and tour creative director, Ronami Ogulu.
Mama Burna was one of the last people to speak with the musician before he took the stage.
Walking up the stairs to the Citi Field stage.
When 9:15 rolls around, Burna is wheeled to the stage dressed in a silver-pleated Robert Wun ensemble.
His rise to MSG and Citi comes after years of steady work and smaller New York shows.
Its a tougher market to crack, Adesuyan tells me.
We have to say to people, Youre not just Black American, youre from Africa.
The centerpiece of the stage is a red-and-white striped carousel that appears on the cover ofLove, Damini.
Video screening throughout the concert depicts a young boy making his way through fairgrounds.
Joined onstage by pole dancers to perform the song Secret.
Burna and his birthday cakes.
When he brings out Dave to sing their song, Location, the crowd goes wild.
A choir and dancers echo his lyrics onstage, clarifying words unknown to non-Yoruba and -Igbo speakers.
When he sings Odogwu which means victor in Igbo the dancers hail him in celebration.
In the audience, people throw their hands up, too.
Letting the audience sing some short songs and intros a cappella.
Even when Burna was quiet, the audience didnt let up its screams.
The Citi Field crowd reflects Burnas ability to mix, match, and blend cultures in his music.
New York is the best testing ground for this shit, Burna says to the crowd.
As fireworks explode above the stadium, he shouts, I love you, New York City.
And the fans scream back, We love you, Burna Boy.
