The long-running argument over Afrobeats’ power ranking got a fresh jolt this week after music icon 2Baba publicly placed Burna Boy at the top of the genre’s so-called “Big 3,” edging out Wizkid and Davido.
The African Queen crooner shared his take during a February 7, 2026, appearance on the Mic On podcast, reigniting a conversation that has animated fans, critics, and artists for years.
In a candid chat with host Seun Okinbaloye, 2Baba made it clear that his view wasn’t rooted in favoritism or numbers on a balance sheet. While he praised the artistry of all three superstars, he argued that Burna Boy currently stands tallest when influence, reach, and global presence are weighed together. For him, it’s less about streams or sales and more about who is shaping the sound and conversation worldwide right now.
“I have my favourite songs from each,” 2Baba said, before adding that if he had to choose, Burna Boy sits “at the top of the game” at this moment. He was quick to note that music comparisons are inherently subjective, shaped by personal taste and the different styles each artist brings to the table.
Burna Boy’s recent trajectory gives weight to that assessment. Over the past few years, the Grammy-winning singer has expanded his footprint far beyond Africa, selling out major arenas, earning repeated Grammy nods, and cementing his status as one of the continent’s most successful touring acts. To many observers, that consistent global dominance explains why his name keeps surfacing at the summit of Afrobeats conversations.
The veteran star also addressed another debate swirling online, shutting down comparisons between Wizkid and Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti. According to 2Baba, drawing parallels between the two doesn’t hold up, given the vastly different eras, contexts, and creative missions that shaped their music.
Unsurprisingly, the comments have stirred reactions across the industry. Fans have taken sides, artists and insiders have weighed in, and reports suggest pushback from Wizkid’s camp as supporters rally to defend his legacy, as well as Davido’s enduring impact.
At the heart of it all is the “Big 3” label itself — shorthand for Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido — a trio widely credited with driving Afrobeats onto the global stage. With blockbuster catalogs, worldwide tours, high-profile collaborations, and fiercely loyal fanbases, all three have helped define an era. As 2Baba’s remarks underline, ranking them may say as much about perspective as it does about success — and that’s exactly why the debate refuses to fade.
