Ubi Franklin Talks About Challenges of Big 3 Collaboration

In the ever-vibrant world of Afrobeats, few conversations generate as much excitement and debate as the idea of a collaboration between the so-called “Big 3” of Nigerian music — Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy. For years, fans have imagined what it would be like if the three heavyweights came together on one song. The conversation resurfaced again when music executive and entrepreneur Ubi Franklin recently shared his thoughts on why such a collaboration might not be as simple as many people hope. His comments quickly set social media buzzing, sparking renewed interest in one of the biggest what-ifs in Nigerian entertainment.

Ubi Franklin, known for his close ties within the music industry and his role in managing artists, noted that while the Big 3 are undeniably talented and successful, the dynamics around their careers and personalities make collaboration complicated. According to him, pulling Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy into the same studio goes beyond just scheduling issues. It involves egos, brand strategies, fanbase rivalries, and the reality that each of these stars now operates at a global level with unique creative directions. In simple terms, it is not just about recording a song; it is about managing the weight of three powerful brands colliding on one project.

To put things in perspective, Davido, Wizkid, and Burna Boy are arguably the three most influential Afrobeats artists in the world today. Each of them has headlined global festivals, sold out arenas like the O2 in London, collaborated with international stars, and bagged Grammy recognition in some form. They are not just musicians anymore; they are institutions with carefully managed careers. As such, any joint project would need to balance not just music styles but business strategies. This is part of what Ubi Franklin emphasized when he said the chances of a Big 3 collaboration were slim under the current industry climate.

Fans, however, are not ready to give up on the dream. Social media is filled with discussions about what such a song would sound like. Some imagine Wizkid’s smooth delivery blending with Davido’s energetic hooks and Burna Boy’s Afro-fusion touch creating something historic. Others argue that even if the music turned out well, the pressure and expectations could overshadow the project, leaving fans disappointed no matter how good the track is. Still, most agree that if it ever happens, it would be one of the most important moments in Afrobeats history, comparable to the rise of the genre itself on the global stage.

Another layer to the issue is the long history of rivalry among the artists and their fans. Wizkid and Davido, for example, have had a roller-coaster relationship, moving from open feuds to brief reconciliations and then back to subtle tensions. Burna Boy, on his part, has often positioned himself differently, sometimes clashing with fans of the other two and presenting himself as distinct from the “Big 3” narrative. These rivalries may add energy to the industry, but they also make collaborations tricky. For Ubi Franklin, it is this backdrop of competition that adds to the difficulty of seeing the three unite musically.

Interestingly, Franklin’s comments came at a time when Nigerian music continues to dominate global conversations. Afrobeats has moved from being a niche genre to becoming one of the world’s most consumed sounds. International collaborations with Beyoncé, Drake, Justin Bieber, and Ed Sheeran have already proven how far the music has traveled. Within this context, the idea of the Big 3 teaming up is not just about Nigerian fans. It would be a global spectacle that could further cement Afrobeats as a permanent fixture in world music. The stakes, therefore, are extremely high, and the pressure on such a project would be immense.

Despite the hurdles, some insiders believe it is not entirely impossible. Music history is full of once-unthinkable collaborations that eventually happened, often driven by special causes or unique opportunities. A charity single, a major cultural celebration, or even a global event could create the right environment for Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy to share the same track. Until then, Ubi Franklin’s words serve as a reminder that while fans dream, the reality behind the scenes is far more complicated than it appears.

For now, the debate continues. Should the Big 3 put aside differences and give fans the collaboration of a lifetime, or is it better for them to maintain their separate paths, pushing Afrobeats in different directions? What is clear is that the conversation itself shows how much these three artists mean to Nigerian music. Their impact is so massive that the idea of them working together is treated almost like a national project. Whether or not it happens, the Big 3 have already secured their legacy, and that is something Ubi Franklin himself would likely agree with.