Grammy-winning Nigerian superstar Wizkid has reignited the never-ending debate about Nigeria’s “Afrobeat Big 3” after boldly declaring himself the number one artiste in the country’s music scene. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
The self-acclaimed Starboy made the statement on his Instagram story, posting a whiteboard image that read:
“Type sht. Big Wiz. Number 1.”
The cryptic but confident post immediately sent social media into a frenzy, with fans dissecting its meaning and debating whether Wizkid’s claim was justified.
The “Big 3” Debate: Who Reigns Supreme in Afrobeat?
The term “Afrobeat Big 3” has become one of the most popular and controversial topics in Nigerian pop culture. It refers to Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy, three global powerhouses whose influence has helped shape the sound and identity of modern Afrobeats.
Each artist boasts a unique legacy:
Wizkid — celebrated for his international crossover success with Essence and Come Closer.
Davido — known for his energetic anthems like Fall and Unavailable and his strong industry connections.
Burna Boy — praised for his Grammy-winning artistry and politically conscious sound.
While fans of each star fiercely defend their favourites, the recent declaration by Wizkid has once again thrown fuel into the fire of this ongoing rivalry.
Wizkid’s Bold Declaration
For years, Wizkid has maintained a calm and sometimes cryptic approach to public comparisons. However, his latest message left little room for interpretation — he sees himself as number one.
The post, which quickly went viral across Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok, sparked thousands of reactions from fans, celebrities, and entertainment bloggers.
Some fans hailed Wizkid’s confidence, calling him “the blueprint” of modern Afrobeats. Others argued that his claim was a subtle response to recent online polls and debates ranking Davido or Burna Boy higher.
One fan wrote:
“Wizkid doesn’t talk much, but when he does, the internet shakes. Big Wiz really said ‘Number 1,’ and he meant it.”
Another countered:
“Davido has been more consistent and impactful this year. Wizkid should relax — charts and streaming numbers don’t lie.”
Tiwa Savage Weighs In on the “Big 3” Debate
Interestingly, Wizkid’s declaration comes just weeks after Afrobeat queen Tiwa Savage shared her thoughts on the “Big 3” conversation — but from a different angle.
In a recent interview, Tiwa questioned why female stars like Tems are often excluded from the list when discussions about Nigeria’s biggest Afrobeat artists arise.
“I feel like it’s unfair to have conversations about the Top 3 and not mention Tems,” Tiwa Savage said.
Her comment added another layer to the debate, sparking discussions about gender inclusivity in the Afrobeat industry and the recognition of women driving the genre’s global expansion.
Fans React: “Confidence or Shade?”
As expected, Wizkid’s statement divided social media.
While some saw it as a display of self-assurance and pride, others perceived it as subtle shade aimed at his contemporaries.
Entertainment analyst @TheLagosCritic wrote:
“Wizkid has every right to call himself number one. He opened major global doors for Afrobeat before it became trendy.”
Another user responded:
“Confidence is great, but this constant ranking culture is exhausting. All three have carried Afrobeat in their own ways.”
On X, #BigWiz and #Big3 trended for hours, with fans comparing streaming numbers, concert attendances, and award achievements to prove who truly deserves the “number one” spot.
The Legacy of the Afrobeat Big 3
Whether it’s Wizkid’s minimalist grace, Davido’s infectious charisma, or Burna Boy’s powerful artistry, the “Big 3” have collectively transformed Nigeria’s music scene into a global cultural powerhouse.
From selling out the O2 Arena to winning Grammys and topping Billboard charts, the trio continues to inspire the next generation of artists — from Rema and Asake to Ayra Starr and Fireboy DML.
Still, Wizkid’s declaration shows that the spirit of healthy competition remains alive, driving innovation and excellence across the industry.
Final Thoughts
Wizkid’s recent “Number 1” claim is more than just a viral moment — it’s a reflection of confidence earned through years of hard work, consistency, and global impact.
Whether fans agree or not, one thing remains clear: the Afrobeat Big 3 debate is far from over, and every new move from these stars only adds another chapter to Nigeria’s ever-evolving musical story.
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