On Monday night, Amalie Arena morphed from a sports arena to a melting pot of cultural fusion.
Burna Boy’s eagerly-anticipated, “I Told Them” tour, transcended the boundaries of a mere concert to become a grand-scale celebration of music, heritage, and undeniable artistry.
At the heart of this transformation was the stage itself—a marvel of design and creativity that breathed life into the arena. Adorned with intricate building facades, including personal touches like a “City Boys Cutz” barbershop and a “Giza Grocery” grocery store, the stage was illuminated by clever lighting and resembled an urban landscape which evoked the energy and vibrancy of a bustling city street. It provided the perfect canvas for Burna Boy to work his magic, setting the scene for an unforgettable night.
Arriving a tad late, around 10 p.m., the 32-year-old Grammy-winner was a sight to behold as he exuded an effortless “cool” in his street-style Timberlands and performance-ready khaki jumpsuit (Does Timberland sponsor this guy yet?!). Opening to “I Told Them” and “Gbona,” every step Burna Boy took seemed to carry the weight of his heritage, with his Sidhu Moose Wala pendant chain serving as a tangible symbol of his roots—a bridge between worlds that whispered tales of respect and unity.
His band of supremely talented musicians was masterful for every strum, beat, horn, and note which fueled the night’s pulsating energy, as Burna took time during most songs to give way to solo-band performances, most notably on songs, “12 Jewels” and “Thanks”.
Moreover, just as remarkable as Burna’s band, his performance was transcendent, specifically regarding his remarkable crowd control, in addition to a consistency of pyrotechnics and stage fog throughout the entire show. It was more than just a concert; it was an immersive experience. An urban theater where every element, from the set design to the theatrical lighting, worked in perfect harmony to create an atmosphere that felt as alive as the city itself. The crowd, responding in kind, fed the flames of Burna’s passion, as every song was met with applause, or in one particular instance, a woman’s pink bra in Burna’s hand.
As the night wore on, Burna Boy’s towering presence was magnified by massive screens, ensuring that not a single gesture or emotion was lost on the audience. Rolling through his set, his childlike passion was infectious, and his ear-to-ear smile never ceased for more than a second. Closing out with his biggest hits, such as “City Boyz”, “Ye”, and “Last Last,” Burna waved goodbye as he left a lasting imprint on the collective consciousness of all in attendance, making it clear that his performance was much more than just a showcase of his musical prowess. It was a celebration. A nexus of sound, spirit, and story that left an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to witness it.
Burna Boy’s insistence on the term “Afro-fusion” over “Afrobeats” reflects his deep understanding of the genre’s complexity and diversity, and with Burna Boy leading the charge, Afrobeats continues to gain global prominence, fueled by its infectious rhythms and universal appeal. As he introduces more audiences to the music of his homeland, Burna Boy’s impact as a cultural ambassador becomes increasingly evident. Through his artistry, he transcends borders and brings people together in celebration of shared humanity. As the “I Told Them” Tour continues its journey across the globe, it promises to kindle spirits and deliver vibrancy and connection at every stop. Burna Boy’s influence knows no bounds, and we are currently watching the legacy of a true musical icon, as it is firmly cemented in history.
Burna Boy setlist
I Told Them
Gbona
Dey Play
Location
Pull Up”
Secret
Level Up (Twice As Tall)
For My Hand
Sittin on Top of The World
On The Low
Cheat on Me
Big 7
Dangote
12 Jewels
If I’m Lying
Alone
All My Life (Remix) (Lil Durk)
Bank On It
Thanks
alibans II
Normal
On Form
Different Size
Sungba (Asake)
Anybody
Kilometre
Giza
Killin Dem
Yaba Buluku (DJ Tarico)
City Boys
It’s Plenty
Ye
Last Last
