Popular Nigerian singer and entertainer, BNXN has expressed his concerns about what he believes to be the exploitation of artists through overpriced boat rides in Lagos State.
During the latest episode of Backstage Banter, hosted by Isi Ijewere in Canada, BNXN was asked a series of trivia questions.
Isi inquired, “Do you know how much it costs to go from Lekki to Ilase by boat?”
BNXN responded with laughter before addressing the issue, pointing out what he sees as a scam within Lagos’s boat ride industry.
He said, “This is the perfect place for me to say that these people are scamming us. They will charge us 350k for a 21-seater boat, and that boat can never fit 21 people unless you want to kill yourself.
“It’s probably just artists that they’re swerving but they will say 340k to 400k to book a boat; sometimes the boat might be massive or whatnot.”
The singer also faulted the safety standards of some boats, pointing out that while some people pay high fees, others may resort to use less reliable option, such as boats without life jackets.
“But I know some people that probably use N200 or N500 and they use that Ikorodu speedboat with non life jackets.
“That thing used to muzz me; no life jackets yet they mount the canoe like that. I don’t know, but we’re being scammed in Lagos,” he concluded.
How has Burna Boy inspired your craft?” asked Isi.
While responding the singer emphasized Burna Boy’s personality, contrasting the public’s perception with his own personal experiences.
“I discovered Burna in 2013/14 and I was like, ‘What is going on here?’ I had a feeling like the music he was making was not for here, and he proved himself.
“In the future, he just became everywhere and everyone understood why he was him. I think I love him mainly because the persona people may have of him is different from the character he has when he actually knows you or is calm with you around you.
“Some people don’t have any ideas but have a feeling of what he is like. But aside from that, he is a legend and magically sound,” he said.