In a revealing moment on the Adesope Live podcast, Afrobeats trailblazer D’Banj stirred conversation across the music world—not with a new track, but by naming his top three Nigerian artists of the moment… without Wizkid in sight.
The List That Sparked a Buzz
When asked to pick his current heavyweights in the Nigerian music scene, D’Banj gave props to:
Rema – for his unmatched energy and fresh global appeal,
Davido – for his humility, consistency, and relentless grind,
Burna Boy – for being “too intentional” with mesmerizing live shows and a calculated rise to global dominance.
He shared, “Shout out to Rema. I like his energy… Then there is Davido. People should learn from the way he carries himself, like he doesn’t have a penny, yet he’s so consistent. Burna Boy is too intentional. His live shows are amazing.”
The Wizkid Omission
Noticeably absent from D’Banj’s trio? Wizkid, one of Afrobeats’ most decorated exports. The omission didn’t go unnoticed by fans, sparking debates online over what criteria D’Banj might have used—or if there’s more to the story.
A Moment of Full-Circle Praise
Interestingly, this comes just weeks after Rema, during his sold-out O2 Arena concert, took time mid-performance to honor D’Banj himself. The young star credited the Koko Master for helping break Afrobeats into the UK market, setting the stage for a new generation of stars like himself.
“You were one of the first ones to bring Afrobeats to the UK. You and Don Jazzy held it down… If you never existed, I would have never existed,” Rema said with emotion.
Why It Matters
D’Banj’s list isn’t just about talent—it reflects attitude, evolution, and artistry. His emphasis on energy, humility, and intentionality speaks volumes about what he values in today’s fast-paced music scene. Whether deliberate or not, omitting Wizkid underscores how subjective legacy and influence can be—even among legends.
Final Note
Whether you’re Team Wiz, 30BG, or part of Rema’s Ravagers, one thing’s clear: D’Banj’s perspective is sparking rich conversations—and proving that in Afrobeats, there’s room for many kings, but everyone picks their own court.
