Music executive Ubi Franklin has weighed in on the possibility of a collaboration between Nigerian music stars Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy, collectively referred to as Afrobeats’ “Big 3.” In a recent episode of the Afropolitan podcast, Franklin noted that the trio’s positions as industry leaders create a sense of rivalry, making a joint project challenging.
Franklin, who also manages talent, drew a parallel between the music industry and other sectors, such as banking, where top competitors often engage in fierce rivalries. He cited the example of top Nigerian banks to illustrate his point. However, he emphasized that the perceived beef between Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy is largely driven by the entertainment industry and not a reflection of their personal relationships.
According to Franklin, he has never heard Davido speak negatively about Wizkid or Burna Boy in private conversations. He believes this sentiment is mutual among the three artists. “It would be difficult for Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy to come together,” Franklin stated. “The environment they are in will make it difficult for them to work together.” He reiterated that in every industry, there are top competitors, and the music industry is no exception.
The dynamic between Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy has been the subject of much speculation, with many fans hoping for a collaboration. While Franklin’s comments may dampen these hopes, they also highlight the complexities of the music industry. As Afrobeats continues to gain global recognition, the interactions between its top artists will remain under scrutiny. The significance of a potential collaboration between Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy lies in its potential to further elevate the genre and showcase African talent on a global stage. Whether such a project will materialize remains to be seen, but Franklin’s insights provide a nuanced understanding of the industry’s inner workings.
