Burna Boy recently revealed that he and late South African rapper AKA had quietly put their past feud behind them before the tragic death of the South African hip-hop star, a development that has brought a reflective moment to one of African music’s most talked-about cross-continental relationships. In a heartfelt Instagram tribute marking what would have been AKA’s 38th birthday, Burna Boy shared that although they fell out publicly years ago, they had privately resolved their issues over direct messages on X (formerly Twitter) something that wasn’t previously known to fans or the media.
The feud between Burna Boy and AKA dates back to 2019, when tensions flared amid rising xenophobic attacks in South Africa and a misunderstanding following an AFCON quarterfinal match. What began as banter and strong reactions on social media soon escalated into weeks of public back-and-forth, including deleted tweets and sharp words. But according to Burna Boy’s recent messages, the conflict eventually simmered down, and they reconciled privately though they never had the chance to publicly celebrate that resolution or rekindle their creative partnership.
Burna Boy’s tribute didn’t focus solely on the conflict, however; it was deeply personal. He expressed regret that they never had the chance to meet in person before AKA’s death or work on the plans and collaborations they once talked about, a sentiment that has resonated with fans across Africa and beyond. In his message, Burna Boy acknowledged that their falling out was rooted in misunderstandings, writing that they “fell out over bullshit” despite having “squashed it over Twitter DMs” and lamented the lost opportunities that followed.
The news of their reconciliation adds complexity to a story that has been defined by both friendship and conflict. The pair were once close allies, collaborating musically and sharing stages early in their careers before their relationship fractured amid broader socio-political tensions. Their public fallout became emblematic of how external issues can impact personal and professional bonds in the music industry.
The realization that they had made peace before AKA’s untimely passing has sparked discussion among fans about what might have been especially given both artists’ talent and influence across the continent. Burna Boy’s tribute paints a picture of admiration and loss, one where recognition and respect endured beyond their disagreements.
Ultimately, Burna Boy’s revelation highlights how reconciliation, even when quiet and unpublicized, can carry deep emotional weight and how opportunities lost can linger in the memories of those left behind.
