Ogulu disclosed this during an interview with Ebuka Obi-Uchendu on his Rubbin’ Mind show.

The singer’s manager who confirmed that other artists were paid, said her son received no monetary gift because the event was organized to honour him for his Grammy win.

She said  “Money was not paid to him but it was paid to everybody else. It was paid to everybody else that went there to perform but it was not paid to him. They were honouring him, he was not paid to be there. For want for a better word, as my people say, it is only a bastard that refuses honour in his father’s house. For me, I do not really pay too much attention to such because I was really busy and that is the honest truth. The facts are very clear, this man was honoured because he got the highest award in his field, in the world. He was honoured because he brought that award home. Why did he get that award? Making the same music that speaks the truth. So I do not think anybody was trying to buy him to their side. I think it is clear to everyone that the man would always make the music he wants to make- whether it is for fans or whatever. He will continue to do that. It was not a deal or a case of ‘let us honour you and you will not abuse us again.’ That did not come into the conversation. I think, in the case of Rivers State, it was very wise that it was done because if any other state had done it before Rivers, it would have been shocking.”

The award was received by Bose Ogulu, Burna Boy’s mum and manager, who also attended the award ceremony. In her acceptance speech, Burna Boy’s mum said the message from the singer to every African in diaspora is ‘remember you were first an African before any other thing.’

Burna Boy was nominated alongside Teni Makanaki and Mr Eazi in the category.