Nigerian Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy has offered to cover the funeral expenses of four young victims who were fatally shot during a mass shooting at a children’s birthday party in Stockton, California.
The tragic incident occurred on Saturday, November 29, at Monkey Space, a banquet hall in unincorporated San Joaquin County.
The victims—aged between 8 and 21—were among dozens attending the celebration when gunmen opened fire in what investigators believe was a targeted attack. Eleven additional people were wounded, heightening concerns as authorities continue their search for suspects.
Burna Boy, speaking in a statement shared with The Stockton Record, said he first learned of the incident while listening to “The Breakfast Club” radio show. The details, he noted, struck him deeply.
“My heart broke when I heard about the children murdered in Stockton,” he said. “No family should ever face this kind of pain alone. I wanted to do whatever I could to support these parents as they begin the long process of healing.”
After reaching out to music executive Wack 100, Burna Boy was connected with Stockton’s Vice Mayor, Jason Lee, who confirmed the artist’s commitment to support the bereaved families. Lee expressed gratitude for the gesture, emphasizing that Burna Boy’s willingness to help families he has never met reflects a compassion that should motivate others to extend support.
Among the victims was 14-year-old Amari Peterson, an aspiring athlete remembered as an active football and basketball player. A GoFundMe campaign for the teen described him as a young student who had already begun planning for his future.
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The shooting has drawn national attention as the United States continues to grapple with rising concerns over gun violence. As of Tuesday, December 2, no arrests had been made.
Burna Boy’s philanthropic gesture comes at a time when he recently trended online after momentarily pausing a performance in Colorado to address a couple who appeared to be dozing in the front row.
Despite the online reactions, his support for the grieving Stockton families has been widely praised.