Music executive Ubi Franklin recently discussed the prospect of a collaboration among Nigerian Afrobeats stars Wizkid, Davido and Burna Boy—often called the genre’s “Big 3”—on the Afropolitan podcast. He explained that, as industry leaders, the three artists are naturally positioned as rivals, which makes a joint project challenging. Drawing a parallel with other sectors, Franklin likened the situation to the fierce competition among top Nigerian banks, noting that such rivalries are common wherever market leaders coexist.
Franklin emphasized that the perceived “beef” among Wizkid, Davido and Burna Boy is largely manufactured by the entertainment media and does not reflect their personal relationships. He said he has never heard Davido speak negatively about Wizkid or Burna Boy in private, and believes the sentiment is mutual among the three. “It would be difficult for Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy to come together,” he remarked. “The environment they are in will make it difficult for them to work together.”
The dynamic between the three stars has generated considerable speculation, with many fans hoping for a collaboration that could further elevate Afrobeats and showcase African talent on a global stage. While Franklin’s comments may temper those expectations, they also highlight the complexities inherent in the music industry, where top competitors often find collaboration difficult. As Afrobeats continues to gain worldwide recognition, the interactions among its leading artists will remain under close scrutiny, and whether a joint project ever materializes remains uncertain.
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