Live Review: Burna Boy in Perth 2025
Burna Boy – “No Sign of Weakness” Tour, RAC Perth Arena, 24 October 2025.
Photography and Review by Erica Lorimer Photographer
The Nigerian giant has landed. After two cancelled attempts, Burna Boy touched down in Perth with his family and band to close out his global “No Sign of Weakness” Tour.
Born Damini Ogulu in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, Burna Boy has become a global icon whose rise embodies modern African excellence. Revered as the “Odogwu”, a title of great honour in southern Nigeria meaning powerful leader, he stands as a symbol of pride for the continent.
Since his international fame grew after the release of his 2018 album Outside, Burna Boy has earnt over a billion Spotify streams, 11 Grammys and headlined stadiums from Madison Square Garden to global festival appearances like Glastonbury. Collaborations with icons like Angelique Kidjo, Ed Sheeran and Stormzy highlight his effortless cross– cultural reach.
Burna Boy’s success and magnetism lies in his talent and contradictions. He is witty yet grounded, and calm yet explosive on stage. His unique Afro Fusion sound defies genre, weaving pop, R&B, hip-hop and reggae around Afrobeat roots.
To Nigerians and Africans alike Burna Boy is a source of hope and confidence. The rhythm and energy of the streets, bars and markets of Nigerian cities like Port Harcourt are embedded in his music. His output of work is huge – there are no “go slows” in Burna’s life like the traffic in Lagos. Like his hero Fela Kuti, Burna’s musical success stands as resistance to “lies and little minds” in favour of truth and spiritual elevation. “I want people to see and feel stuff that is real,” he has said.
And reality carried through to the stage at Perth’s Arena. DJ Billy Starship had the crowd ready before the arena erupted as Burna opened with “Location”, a collaboration with British rapper Dave in 2019.
The young crowd was a sea of friends from many cultures, all swaying and singing together. Most knew the lyrics by heart, singing them back to their hero with real joy, especially during the global hit “Love”. From “My Hand” to “Love” and “Big 7”, the hits flowed, backed by powerhouse singers, brass, and dancers who brought an African vibrancy to the stage. His stylish fashion of diamonds, body art and jewellery mirrored his music’s fusion of eras and worlds.
Burna proudly calls his band, The Outsiders, “the greatest band on the planet”. Together they deliver a live show that is a celebration complete with powerhouse singers, brass and six dancers who express the colour and vibrancy of the Nigerian culture. It is a colourful, explosive spectacle with smoke, fire and visual projections with authenticity and power.
When J Hus’s familiar words ring out, the crowd knows it is time for the triumphant “City Boys”. The anthem of African pride pulses through every beat as the dancers amplify its bold, masculine energy. Burna’s deep baritone, commanding presence and diamond-flashed grin radiate pure joy and power.
At the side of the stage, his mother and manager Bose Ogulu watches with quiet pride. A respected language translator from Port Harcourt, she is the daughter of Fela Kuti’s former manager, a connection that runs deep in Burna’s artistry. He once said “Fela was my hero… the same way a kid would have Superman growing up”. His voice and stage presence carry that legacy with every note.
Between songs, Burna’s effortless connection with the crowd is magnetic. He locks eyes with fans, smiling as he says, “I see you” turning the massive arena into something personal. During the provocative song “WGFT”, his playful exchange with saxophonist Bishop Saxz amuses fans with laughter, rhythm and that unmistakable charm. “He’s my translator” Burna jokes, reminding us that music is a language.
As “Ye” hits Burna calls for the crowd to raise their phone lights turning the arena walls into a sea of sparkles. “It’s Plenty” comes next, reminding everyone to stay positive and live in the moment.
Finally, the night closed with the long awaited hit “Last Last”. The song samples Toni Braxton’s 2000 single “He Wasn’t Man Enough” and hit high in the Australian ARIAs. Burna Boy looked out at the Perth crowd and said, “Australia is so f**ing amazing. Glad they finally let me in after three tries”. The roar in response said it all and gratitude flows both ways.
Oluwa Burna, we love you tonight. We feel your truth, your pride, and your gratitude and Australia has clearly given it back. God bless Nigeria. Africa is rising. The journey continues and the best is yet to come.
Sheldon Ang Media would like to thank On The MapPR, TEG Live and Burna Boy for the Accreditation.
About the Writer and Photographer: Erica is a freelance photographer who loves capturing images of live music and travel photography. She enjoys shooting film with vintage cameras and making prints in a home darkroom. She has lived in Japan, the UK and Nigeria. Erica holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) from the University of Western Australia (UWA), majoring in English Literature and Economics, and a Certificate IV in Design.
Sheldon Ang Media (est. May 2022) have been accredited to over 200 of the hottest acts including Taylor Swift (ERAS Tour in Sydney), Coldplay (Perth), Backstreet Boys, KISS, Iron Maiden, RHCP, P!NK with reviews shared by the likes of Belinda Carlisle, Suzi Quatro, Roxette, Tina Arena, UB40, Delta Goodrem, Leo Sayer and Tina Arena on social media. Their founder has interviewed rockers Ace Frehley (KISS), John Steel (The Animals), Frank Ferrer (Guns N Roses), Phil X (Bon Jovi), Andrew Farris (INXS), plus over 70 artists. He’s also a contributor on Triple M Radio as a music journalist.
