Afro-fusion sensation and Grammy Award-winning Nigerian music star, Burna Boy, has unequivocally distanced himself from a newly surfaced meme cryptocurrency falsely linked to his identity. The internationally acclaimed artist has labeled the digital asset, which is being marketed using his name on social media, as a scam. In a direct and clear-cut message to his followers, he issued a stern warning against engaging with the fraudulent scheme.

On Sunday, July 14, 2025, Burna Boy—popularly known as the “African Giant”—used his verified Instagram Story to clarify that he has absolutely no affiliation with any cryptocurrency project bearing his name. In a strongly worded statement, the artist expressed concern over misleading promotions related to a so-called “Burna” coin, which began gaining traction on X (formerly known as Twitter).

“I don’t do any internet ‘coin’ business,” Burna Boy wrote. “I see it as fraud and I have no interest in any of that. So if you see anyone using my name for such, please disregard or report them.”

Rising Wave of Celebrity-Inspired Crypto Scams

The artist’s public disavowal arrives at a time when cryptocurrency scams—especially those involving the unauthorized use of celebrity names—have become increasingly rampant. In the past year, several high-profile public figures, both locally and internationally, have had their images or brands exploited by bad actors seeking to lend fake legitimacy to dubious crypto ventures.

Often marketed as “meme coins” or “fan tokens,” these schemes are frequently launched without the knowledge, consent, or involvement of the celebrities in question. Many unsuspecting fans, driven by admiration for their favorite entertainers or influencers, fall victim to these scams under the false belief that the tokens are officially endorsed or supported.

Burna Boy’s outright rejection of the “Burna” coin serves as a crucial reminder of the risks involved in such investments. He joins a growing list of celebrities—including actors, athletes, and musicians—who have been forced to publicly denounce false associations with digital tokens used for deceptive marketing.

Fans React with Support and Appreciation

Shortly after Burna Boy’s message went live, fans and followers flooded social media platforms with words of appreciation, praising the music icon for his honesty and willingness to speak out. Many commended his proactive stance, noting that such transparency helps protect unsuspecting members of the public—especially younger individuals who are often the primary targets of crypto scammers.

His clear and public condemnation also adds to the ongoing dialogue about ethical responsibility in the world of online investment, where misinformation and hype can easily lead to financial loss.

“That’s how it’s done,” one X user wrote. “So many people look up to Burna. This will stop others from falling for this ‘Burna coin’ madness.”

Crypto Scams Targeting Young, Tech-Savvy Audiences

Cybersecurity analysts and blockchain experts have continuously raised alarms over the ease with which scammers exploit the cryptocurrency space. Fraudsters often create and promote fake tokens, ride on the fame of celebrities, and use social media hype to create a false sense of urgency and legitimacy.

Typically, these scammers pump up the value of the fake coin by encouraging mass purchases from naive investors. Once enough money has been invested, the creators execute a “rug pull”—a scam in which they abruptly sell off their holdings and disappear with the funds, leaving investors with worthless digital assets.

Security experts have warned that these types of scams are especially designed to appeal to young people who are active online and keen to make quick profits through crypto investments. Many of these scams prey on fan loyalty and the assumption that if a celebrity’s name is attached, the project must be legitimate.

A Growing Problem in the Entertainment Industry

The problem of unauthorized endorsements in crypto is not unique to Burna Boy. In the past year, global celebrities such as Tom Holland, Kim Kardashian, and even Elon Musk have had to either issue legal warnings or publicly clarify their lack of involvement in similar schemes.

In Nigeria, the issue is growing as well. As cryptocurrencies continue to gain popularity, scammers have adapted, incorporating well-known public figures from Nollywood, Afrobeats, and social media into their schemes. Many times, photoshopped images, fake interviews, or edited tweets are circulated to trick users into believing in the coin’s authenticity.

Burna Boy’s swift and firm denial now serves as an important example of how public figures can protect their brands and fans from being exploited in this volatile space.

Authorities Call for Vigilance and Reporting

Following Burna Boy’s statement, law enforcement and consumer protection agencies have renewed their calls for increased caution when dealing with unverified crypto assets. The Nigerian Police Cybercrime Unit and financial watchdog groups have urged the public to report suspicious social media accounts, Telegram groups, and websites promoting fake tokens associated with celebrities.

A spokesperson for the Nigeria Internet Fraud Unit emphasized, “We’re seeing an uptick in cases where scammers use high-profile names to lure in unsuspecting investors. We advise all Nigerians to double-check before investing in any digital product, especially those promoted on social media.”

They added that education and public awareness remain the best defenses against falling victim to such frauds.

Burna Boy’s Legacy of Influence and Responsibility

As one of the most prominent Nigerian artists on the global stage, Burna Boy has consistently used his platform to champion African pride, truth-telling, and social consciousness. Whether through his music, public appearances, or now through his stance on internet fraud, the artist has demonstrated a strong commitment to accountability and transparency.

By addressing the scam promptly, Burna Boy not only safeguarded his brand but also contributed to broader public awareness around crypto safety. His refusal to be associated with a fraudulent scheme further cements his reputation as a responsible role model for millions of fans worldwide.

Final Word: Stay Alert, Stay Safe

In light of this incident, both fans and investors are encouraged to exercise extreme caution when approached with investment opportunities linked to public figures. Always verify through official channels, avoid get-rich-quick promises, and report any suspicious schemes to the proper authorities.

Burna Boy’s message is loud and clear: “I have no business with any coin—don’t be fooled.”

As cryptocurrency continues to evolve, so too must the public’s ability to discern genuine innovation from fraud. In the end, digital empowerment begins with informed choices.