Grammy-winning Nigerian superstar Burna Boy has offered a revealing, heartfelt reflection on his complex relationship with late South African rapper AKA, disclosing that the two artists had resolved their longstanding feud before AKA’s tragic death, but never got the chance to collaborate or build on their renewed peace.
Burna Boy took to his Instagram stories to mark what would have been AKA’s 38th birthday on January 28, 2026, sharing messages that confirmed a private reconciliation between the two music giants. The public feud, one of African music’s most talked-about disagreements, initially erupted in 2019 amid broader tensions between Nigerian and South African communities, notably following comments by AKA after a high-stakes football match that were widely interpreted against the backdrop of xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
At its peak, the rift saw Burna Boy publicly vow to “deal with” AKA should they ever meet, and to boycott South African stages. However, Burna Boy’s 2026 tribute revealed that the feud had softened behind the scenes long before AKA was killed in Durban on February 10, 2023, when he was shot by unknown assailants — a murder that shocked the African music world and left questions surrounding the loss of one of its most dynamic voices.
Despite the peace, Burna Boy expressed deep regret that the two never met in person afterward or worked on “what they were supposed to do,” hinting at potential collaborations and plans that now may never come to fruition.
Fans across Africa and beyond responded emotionally to Burna Boy’s message, with many applauding the candour and mournful honesty he brought to the tribute, even as it underscored the sadness of lost potential. As investigations into AKA’s murder continue into 2026, the music community remains reflective on the fragility of life and the power of mended relationships.
In the end, Burna Boy’s tribute serves both as a public acknowledgement of past wrongdoing and a somber reminder that time, and opportunities to create together can be as fleeting as the voices that shape culture.
