Davido Speaks Out on Industry ‘Big Three’

Grammy-nominated Afrobeats star Davido has weighed in on the much-talked-about rivalry among Nigeria’s music powerhouses—himself, Wizkid, and Burna Boy. While the trio, popularly known as the ‘Big 3’, helped bring Afrobeats to the global stage, Davido believes the genre has evolved far beyond the influence of just three artists.

Davido Speaks Out on Industry ‘Big Three’

“The Culture Is Bigger Than Us”

Davido shared that he no longer maintains personal relationships with Wizkid or Burna Boy. However, he emphasized that Afrobeats is now too big to center around a trio.

“I don’t have a personal relationship with them. I did at some point. But I feel like the culture is just so big, and the conversation is bigger than the Big 3 right now — and that’s just the honest truth,” he said.

Rising Stars Are Redefining the Genre

Davido pointed to new-generation stars like Rema and Ayra Starr as examples of the genre’s rapid growth and global reach. He explained that it’s time to focus on nurturing the wider Afrobeats movement rather than fueling rivalries.

“There’s Rema, Ayra Starr—so many artists out there. It can’t just be about us anymore. Right now, the three of us understand it’s bigger than us. We’re all willing to do whatever it takes to grow the culture,” he stated.

Is a Collaboration Possible?

When asked about the possibility of a joint track with Wizkid and Burna Boy, Davido didn’t rule it out. However, he acknowledged that external influences might hinder such a collaboration.

“It’s not impossible. But I feel like people around us wouldn’t want that to happen. Some people actually benefit from us not being cool,” he revealed. “Still, there have been times when we were all cool. So who knows?”

A Call for Unity in Afrobeats

Davido’s comments highlight a crucial shift in the Afrobeats conversation. As the genre gains more global attention, its success now depends on industry-wide unity rather than individual rivalry. By supporting emerging talent and fostering collaboration, artists can ensure that Afrobeats continues to break boundaries worldwide.