Burna Boy Laughs Off Viral Claim Linking His Armpit Hair to “Voodoo Power”

Global Afro-fusion superstar Burna Boy has once again found himself at the centre of social media chatter—this time over his armpit hair.

Over the years, photos of the Grammy-winning artist performing shirtless have consistently drawn comments, with some Nigerians speculating that his refusal to shave his armpits is tied to voodoo powers fueling his success.

But in a recent interview with Apple Music, Burna Boy finally addressed the rumour, dismissing it as pure comedy.

Asked about a common misconception people have about him, Burna Boy replied with a laugh:
“One is that I don’t like to shave my armpits. People think that it is like Samson in the Bible that had his power in his hair. There are some people that claim that my armpit is where my power is because I don’t shave.

"In Nigeria you hear crazy things. Some people think that’s some voodoo sht, like my power is in my armpits. I don’t even know how to explain it. It’s just some dumb sht going on. I even tried to find out if it’s possible.”

Opinion: Why We Love to Mythologize Our Stars

Burna Boy’s response may be lighthearted, but it reveals something deeper about the way we view celebrities in Nigeria and Africa at large. The human mind loves myth-making—and in a society where superstition often mingles with pop culture, it’s easy for stars to be wrapped in tales of spiritual powers.

From athletes rumored to use charms to musicians accused of mystical “sources” of success, the pattern is familiar: when talent and hard work produce extraordinary results, people sometimes explain it with the supernatural instead of effort and discipline.

But as Burna Boy’s career shows, success isn’t hiding in armpits—it’s in years of grinding, global vision, and undeniable artistry. The myth is funny, yes, but it also distracts from the sweat, sacrifice, and sleepless nights behind the stardom.

At the end of the day, maybe this quirky rumour just shows how much Nigerians adore their icons—so much so that even their armpit hair must have a story.