Burna Boy’s Mother Reveals She Sometimes Takes Away His Phone During Wild Instagram Lives
Bose Ogulu says she steps in when her son becomes too unrestrained on social media, while acknowledging that his unfiltered personality is part of his appeal
By: Ebenezer Adugyamfi/ Emmanuel Ayiku for GhanaianNewsCanada
September 2, 2026
The mother and manager of Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy, Bose Ogulu, has revealed that she sometimes has to intervene when her son becomes overly unrestrained during Instagram Live sessions.
Ogulu, who has played a central role in managing Burna Boy’s career and public image, said there are occasions when she simply takes his phone away when she believes his behaviour on the platform has gone too far.
She made the revelation during an interview with Nigerian media personality Ebuka Obi-Uchendu on Channels Television.
‘I grab his phone’
According to Ogulu, Burna Boy’s spontaneous and outspoken personality can sometimes become difficult to manage when he interacts with fans and followers online.
She explained that when the singer becomes particularly animated during an Instagram Live broadcast, she may step in physically by taking possession of his phone.
The intervention, she suggested, is less about trying to change who her son is and more about ensuring that moments of heightened emotion do not escalate unnecessarily in a public space.
Burna Boy has developed a reputation for being outspoken and unpredictable, both on and off social media. His Instagram Live sessions have occasionally attracted significant attention because of his candid comments, interactions with fans and willingness to address issues without the restraint often associated with celebrities.
Protecting his authenticity
Despite her willingness to intervene, Ogulu stressed that she understands the personality that has helped make Burna Boy one of Africa’s most prominent global music stars.
She acknowledged that the same emotional intensity and unfiltered character that can sometimes create controversy are also part of what audiences connect with.
Rather than attempting to completely suppress those traits, Ogulu said she has learned to allow her son to remain himself while stepping in when necessary.
That balance has become an important part of her role as both his mother and manager.
A mother and manager
Ogulu’s relationship with Burna Boy goes beyond that of a parent and child. She has been a major figure in his professional career, helping guide the singer through his rise from Nigeria’s music scene to international prominence.
Under her management, Burna Boy has established himself as one of the leading figures in the global expansion of Afrobeats.
His career has included major international collaborations, sold-out performances and global recognition, including Grammy success.
However, managing a globally recognised artist also comes with challenges, particularly when the artist maintains a highly expressive personality and has direct access to millions of followers through social media.
For Ogulu, her approach appears to involve allowing Burna Boy the freedom to be himself while knowing when to step in.
Social media and celebrity pressure
The revelation also highlights the increasingly complicated relationship between celebrities and social media.
Platforms such as Instagram give artists unprecedented access to their audiences, allowing them to communicate directly with fans without going through traditional media.
However, that same access can create risks. A statement or emotional reaction made during a live broadcast can quickly be recorded, shared and interpreted by millions of people.
For artists such as Burna Boy, whose words and actions routinely attract international attention, the consequences can be particularly significant.
Ogulu’s comments therefore offer an insight into one of the less visible aspects of managing a major celebrity: knowing when to allow an artist to speak freely and when to prevent an impulsive moment from becoming a larger controversy.
Burna Boy’s growing global influence
Burna Boy, born Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, has become one of the most internationally recognised Nigerian musicians of his generation.
His success has contributed significantly to the growing global visibility of Afrobeats, while his outspoken personality has also made him a frequent subject of public discussion.
His mother’s latest comments provide a glimpse into the relationship behind the superstar image and the sometimes difficult task of managing an artist who is both highly successful and fiercely independent.
For Ogulu, however, the objective does not appear to be turning Burna Boy into someone else.
Instead, it is about knowing when the line between being authentic and going too far has been crossed — and, occasionally, simply grabbing the phone.
