Wizkid Declares Himself Nigeria’s Number One Artiste Amid ‘Afrobeat Big 3’ Debate

Grammy-winning Nigerian music icon Wizkid has once again sparked massive debate within the Afrobeats community after boldly declaring himself the number one artiste in the country’s vibrant music scene.

The Starboy boss made the statement through a cryptic Instagram story post, where he shared an image of a whiteboard bearing the words:

“Type sht. Big Wiz. Number 1.”

The post immediately sent social media into overdrive, reigniting the age-old conversation about the so-called “Afrobeat Big 3” — a term used to describe the trio of Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy, who are widely regarded as Nigeria’s leading global music exports.

The “Big 3” Rivalry — Who Is Truly on Top?

Over the past decade, Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy have dominated not just Nigerian airwaves but global stages, each contributing uniquely to Afrobeats’ worldwide success.

• Wizkid is credited with ushering Nigerian music into the global mainstream with crossover hits like Essence, Ojuelegba, and Come Closer.

• Davido has built his empire on hit-making consistency, with chart-toppers like Fall, If, and Unavailable earning him millions of fans worldwide.

• Burna Boy, on the other hand, has carved out a niche with his Afro-fusion sound and politically conscious lyrics, earning him a Grammy Award for Twice as Tall.

While the trio have repeatedly downplayed rivalry in interviews, fanbases continue to clash over who truly deserves the title of “number one.” Wizkid’s latest post, therefore, was enough to set the internet ablaze once more.

Social Media Divides Over Wizkid’s “Number 1” Claim

Following Wizkid’s declaration, platforms like Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok were flooded with mixed reactions.

Supporters hailed the singer’s confidence, calling him the pioneer who laid the foundation for the global recognition Afrobeats enjoys today.

“Wizkid doesn’t talk much, but when he does, he shakes the table. Big Wiz is the standard,” one fan wrote.

Others, however, disagreed, pointing out that Davido and Burna Boy have been more visible in recent years through tours, new albums, and record-breaking performances.

“Wizkid should chill. Davido and Burna are miles ahead this year in terms of output and relevance,” another user countered.

The hashtags #BigWiz and #Big3 trended for hours as fans compared achievements, streaming figures, and international awards.

Tiwa Savage Calls for Inclusion of Female Stars

Adding another layer to the conversation, Tiwa Savage recently questioned the gender bias in the “Big 3” narrative.

In an earlier interview, she pointed out that conversations about the biggest names in Afrobeats often exclude female stars who have equally pushed the genre forward.

“It’s unfair to talk about the Top 3 and not mention women like Tems. She’s carrying Afrobeats too,” Tiwa said.

Her remarks sparked a broader conversation about recognition and inclusivity in the male-dominated music industry.

Analysts and Fans Weigh In

Entertainment critic @TheLagosCritic argued that Wizkid’s declaration was not arrogance but confidence rooted in achievement.

“Wizkid opened global doors for Afrobeats. Before Burna’s Grammy and Davido’s U.S. tours, Wizkid was already performing on international stages,” he said.

However, others believe the constant ranking distracts from the collective progress of Nigerian music on the world stage.

“This competition is unnecessary,” one social media user commented. “All three have made history. Their success should be celebrated, not compared.”

The Legacy of the Big 3

Despite the debate, there’s no denying the massive impact Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy have had on the global music landscape. From sold-out arenas like the O2 in London to chart-topping hits in the U.S. and Europe, their achievements have positioned Afrobeats as a dominant global genre.

Each has influenced a new wave of Nigerian stars — including Rema, Asake, Ayra Starr, and Fireboy DML — proving that healthy competition can inspire innovation.

Final Thoughts

Wizkid’s latest declaration — “Number 1” — may have stirred controversy, but it also reflects the confidence of an artist who has earned his place in history.

Whether or not fans agree, one truth remains undeniable: the Afrobeat Big 3 are all giants in their own right, and together, they continue to shape the future of African music on a global scale.