Afrobeats superstar Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, has reignited the long-standing debate over who truly holds the “001” position among Nigeria’s Big Three: himself, Davido, and Burna Boy.
The Essence hitmaker took to his Instagram story to share a photo of a whiteboard with a short but bold inscription:
“Type sht. Big Wiz. Number 1.”
The post quickly sent fans into a frenzy, sparking fresh comparisons and online debates over who sits at the top of Afrobeats’ throne.
For years, Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy have represented the global face of Afrobeats; each with his own dominance in sound, style, and cultural reach. Yet, the “who’s number one” argument remains one of the genre’s longest-running conversations.
Wizkid’s cryptic declaration is being viewed by many as a response to recurring narratives that label Davido as 001 and Burna Boy as 002, particularly after both artists made global headlines in 2024 for their sold-out tours and Grammy recognitions.
Reacting to Wizkid’s post, Israel DMW, Davido’s longtime associate, appeared to fire back in typical fashion.
“Na by mouth? Drop gbedus shit’s”, Israel wrote on his Instagram story
Hinting that musical consistency, not words, should determine true greatness.
Fans across X and Instagram have since picked sides, some praising Wizkid’s confidence, while others argue that numbers, tours, and streaming dominance tell a different story.
However, beyond the online rivalry, we believe this ongoing debate reflects a deeper need for Afrobeats to evolve beyond competition and focus more on cultural longevity, innovation, and unity.
As Afrobeats faces challenges such as global over-commercialization, genre dilution, and a lack of collective strategy, Entertainment Reporter argues that what the movement needs now isn’t another crown contest, but collaboration, structure, and creative authenticity that ensures its survival in the world stage.
Entertainment Reporter also believes that Afrobeats doesn’t need another ‘number one’, but it needs more solid structures, authentic storytelling, and a sense of purpose that can keep the fire burning when the hype finally cools down.
With Wizkid’s statement now trending across multiple platforms, the “Top 3” debate appears far from over.
But perhaps the bigger question remains: What will define what it truly means to be number one; numbers, impact, or legacy?
