This archive report was first published on 26 June 2020.
On June 25, 2020, Nigerian Afro-pop singer Burna Boy took to Twitter to explain why the 'Own It' remix was removed from streaming services. According to Burna Boy, the song was not his to remove in the first place.
He hinted that the song might have been flagged by Atlantic (US) label for not getting the proper clearance for release. Burna Boy stated, 'Own It is not my song. If my voice is on it, however, it should have been properly cleared. If the remix wasn’t cleared with the label (Atlantic US) it automatically gets flagged. Nothing to do with me personally or any award. Always best to reach out professionally. Congrats on BETs!'
However, this explanation did not sit well with South African singer Sho Madjozi, who was nominated alongside Burna Boy and Stormzy for the Best International Act award at the BET awards. Madjozi claimed that Burna Boy instructed Stormzy's team to pull down the 'Own It' remix after the nominations were announced on June 15, 2020.
Madjozi wrote, 'For those asking where the #Ownitremix is, after I got nominated alongside him for BET Best International Act, Burna Boy asked Stormzy’s team to take down the song immediately.' She also quoted Toni Morrison, saying, 'If you can only be tall because someone else is on their knees, then you have a serious problem.'
Madjozi further stated, 'This world is full of bullies. If I leave any message at all from the life I’ve lived, I hope it’s to not be discouraged and do not be intimidated. To stay loving, kind and honest in the face of cruelty.'
Madjozi was not convinced by Burna Boy's explanation and fired back, saying, 'To believe this I would have to believe that:1. The song got automatically flagged a month late by coincidence. 2. When they said you wanted it down they meant your label. 3. A big international label would release a song without clearing it. It’s a lot Burna.'
