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The intense rivalry between two of Nigeria’s biggest Afrobeat icons, Burna Boy and Davido, has once again taken center stage in the entertainment industry. This ongoing battle for supremacy has sparked heated debates among music enthusiasts, drawing comparisons to the never-ending Messi vs Ronaldo feud in the football world.

In a recent interview, Davido claimed to have achieved fame before Burna Boy, referring to him as a “new cat” in the Nigerian music scene. This statement did not sit well with Burna Boy’s fans, reigniting the ongoing debate over who holds the title of the greatest artist.

Supporters of Burna Boy argue that he has been a prominent figure in the industry since the release of his debut album, ‘LIFE’, in 2013. On the other hand, Davido’s fans contend that his album ‘Omo Baba Olowo’, released in 2012, was a bigger hit. The clash of opinions has only fueled the fire, drawing attention to the battle for supremacy between the two artists.

Speaking to Media Talk Africa, Phil Roberts, the President of the Rock Music Federation, emphasized that every Nigerian music artist has contributed to the growth of Afrobeat. He stated that while the industry is experiencing global success, it is crucial to recognize that everyone is in the business of music. The competition for the top spot is a natural part of maintaining success and ensuring that no one surpasses them.

“It’s all about competition. They are just entertaining you. Without this part of the entertainment, listening to their music alone would not be as fun. All of them, Davido, Burna Boy, Wizkid, and others have played their part in exposing Afrobeat to the world. It’s a collective effort,” Roberts explained.

Supporting Davido’s claim, Simeon Sunday, a popular Abuja media personality, known as Big Daddy of Abuja, pointed out that Burna Boy was relatively unknown when Davido made his breakthrough with the ‘Omo Baba Olowo’ album in 2012. Sunday argued that Burna Boy only made a significant impact in 2019, a year after Davido’s emergence.

“Davido wasn’t wrong in referring to Burna as a new cat. Davido entered the mainstream music scene in 2012 with his chart-topping songs. The question is, where was Burna during that time? It wasn’t until his song ‘Like to Party’ from the ‘L.I.F.E’ album that Burna started gaining recognition. It’s only fair for Davido to refer to him as a new cat,” Sunday stated.

As the rivalry between Burna Boy and Davido continues to divide Nigerians, it is evident that their competition is rooted in a desire to excel in their respective careers. While their music captivates audiences around the globe, it is important to appreciate the collective effort of all artists who have contributed to the success of Afrobeat.