Grammy-winning Afro-fusion artist Burna Boy (Damini Ogulu) has offered crucial support to the grieving families affected by the recent mass shooting in Stockton, California. The tragedy, which occurred during a children’s birthday party on November 29, claimed the lives of four young victims and injured eleven others, leaving the community devastated.
Moved by the heartbreaking news, Burna Boy committed to covering the funeral costs for all four victims. According to TMZ, the singer learned of the incident while listening to The Breakfast Club radio show and immediately reached out to music executive Wack 100. Through Wack 100, he connected with Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee to facilitate direct assistance to the affected families.
“When I heard about the children murdered in Stockton, my heart broke,” Burna Boy said in a statement reported by Parade magazine. “I reached out to Wack 100 and connected with Jason Lee because no family should ever face this kind of pain alone.”
Burna Boy’s philanthropic efforts are well known, particularly through his REACH Nigeria Foundation, which supports vulnerable communities and families in his hometown of Port Harcourt. Extending his generosity internationally, he was especially touched by the story of 14-year-old Amari Peterson, a standout student-athlete whose promising future was tragically cut short.
Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee praised Burna Boy’s compassion, highlighting that the gesture serves as a powerful reminder that global solidarity exists even among strangers. “His generosity is a powerful reminder that people around the world want to help, even when they’ve never met the families impacted,” Lee said.
The shooting at the birthday party, which had between 100 and 150 guests, erupted just before 6 p.m. on November 29. Panic spread as gunfire broke out, leading to the deaths of four young people, including eight-year-old Maya Lupian and 21-year-old Susano Archuleta. Authorities continue to investigate the incident, with Sheriff Patrick Withrow stating that the shooting appears to be targeted, although no confirmed gang involvement has been announced.
Burna Boy’s humanitarian gesture has brought a moment of comfort to the shaken community, signaling that Stockton is not alone in its mourning.
However, the public response to Burna Boy’s actions has been mixed. While many Nigerians and members of the diaspora praised him for his swift and compassionate support, others criticized him for focusing on an overseas tragedy amid Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges. Over recent months, Nigeria has grappled with kidnappings, killings, and terrorism-related violence, raising questions about the priorities of prominent Nigerians abroad.
Supporters counter that humanitarian aid transcends borders and that saving lives, wherever it happens, is always worthy of commendation.
