Grammy-winning Nigerian superstar Burna Boy found himself in an unexpected spot of bother at a Moroccan airport recently, briefly held by customs officials who couldn't help but notice his eye-catching collection of heavy gold jewellery.
The revelation came straight from the top CAF President Patrice Motsepe who shared the anecdote during a recent press conference, shedding light on the incident that unfolded just before Burna Boy's high-profile performance at the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Fan Zone concert in Rabat on January 16, 2026.
According to Motsepe, airport customs officers flagged the Afrobeats giant after spotting his "heavy and beautiful gold jewellery," prompting them to pull him aside for questioning. The situation escalated enough that Motsepe himself received an urgent call to intervene personally.
“I was recently called that I need intervene because Burna Boy was stopped at the airport after customs officers noticed his heavy and beautiful gold jewellery. I intervened and it was resolved,” Motsepe explained, emphasizing that the matter was handled amicably and without further complications.
The brief detention didn't derail Burna Boy's plans he went on to headline the AFCON Fan Zone event in Rabat alongside Ghanaian artist Stonebwoy and Moroccan talents Stormy and Jaylann, delivering what fans described as an electrifying set that lit up the tournament's fan experience.
The story has since sparked lively discussions across social media, with many pointing out the scrutiny that often comes with high-profile displays of wealth during international travel. Customs regulations in many countries require declarations for valuables exceeding certain thresholds, and Burna Boy's signature bold style often featuring substantial gold chains, rings, and pieces clearly caught attention this time around.
No official statement has come directly from Burna Boy or his team regarding the episode, but the quick resolution allowed the "African Giant" to focus on what he does best: captivating crowds with his music amid the excitement of AFCON festivities.
This light-hearted yet revealing glimpse into celebrity travel hurdles serves as a reminder that even global icons aren't immune to routine border checks especially when traveling with standout bling. Burna Boy's Moroccan misadventure ultimately became little more than a footnote in his busy schedule, resolved thanks to a timely assist from the CAF boss himself.
As AFCON continues to captivate the continent, stories like this add color to the tournament's backdrop, blending football passion with the vibrant world of African music. Stay tuned for more updates from the entertainment and sports scenes.