Popular rapper and CEO of YBNL, Olamide Adedeji, better known as Olamide, has responded to criticism over his remark that Wizkid is the greatest Afrobeats artiste after the late Fela Anikulapo Kuti.
Olamide made the statement during his recent visit to York University in Toronto, where he spoke about his long relationship with Wizkid.
In the viral video, he said, “I have had the privilege of working with Wizkid, we have made so many songs together. You know say after Fela, Wizkid is the greatest Afrobeats artist ever.”
The comment immediately sparked reactions on Thursday on social media as fans of Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy revived the long running argument about who sits at the top of Afrobeats.
While some users supported his ranking, others criticised the comment and insisted that all three artistes have contributed significantly to the growth of the genre.
Of course, what else will he say. Wizkid has not yet dropped any music to justify this acclaim.
— NAWTI BOY (@neefenawti) November 14, 2025
Yoruba people think too highly of themselves
Like , mentioning fela means you are speaking of revolutionary artiste … Fela did his, but the impact of 2face and Dbanj gave younger acts a chance.. Wizkid is just an opportunist in all of this, naming him after Fela is a joke
— LIFE OF A CHAMPION (@Dennyagbebor) November 13, 2025
If no be death that too away Dagin who’s Olamide to hell with him pic.twitter.com/T5c2Bt97gC
— EJIMA Jesus 😎🥷🤞 (@akindeleKe58106) November 14, 2025
He will not be the person to confirm that for us.. Someone that doesn’t want to acknowledge Dagrin as one of those who pave ways for in and other upcoming then..
— Mr St.Johnson☁🐦 (@Atolagbe868406) November 14, 2025
Olamide is right and we have morayor and the morayor tour to verify the words I speak
— Viper_001😈🇧🇪 (@aesir_courage) November 14, 2025
In a follow-up post on X on Friday evening, Olamide called for calm among fans and said the debate should not lead to arguments that undermine the achievements of any artiste.
He wrote, “Honestly, this whole lengthy 3 way conversation is pretty much whatever. You cannot diminish anyone’s greatness, whether they are A list, B list, or anything else. Feel free to believe what you want or support whoever you choose, there is plenty of room in the sky for everyone.”
He added that the artistes involved were not concerned about public arguments over rankings.
“One thing to remember is that Burna, David, and Wiz are not narrow-minded enough to get offended by someone else’s opinion or perspective. That is part of why they have reached where they are today,” he said.
Long history of the Big 3 debate
The argument about Big 3 has grown with the rise of Afrobeats across global markets. For more than a decade, Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy have been widely regarded as the three leading artistes of the era. Their positions are often linked to their hit records, touring power, influence, and longevity.
Before the current era, different periods in pop music produced their own leading trios.
Between 1999 and 2004, Paul Play Dairo, Tony Tetuila, and Eedris Abdulkareem were among the most influential artistes.
From 2004 to 2008, 2Baba, Dbanj, and P Square dominated the mainstream.
Between 2008 and 2010, Wande Coal, Banky W, and MI held strong positions with RnB and Hip Hop.
Between 2010 and 2012, Wizkid, Iyanya, and Ice Prince emerged as key voices.
From 2012 onward, Wizkid, Davido, and Olamide shaped the new Afropop sound.
By 2018, Burna Boy rose to global prominence and joined Wizkid and Davido at the top.
A younger generation of stars including Asake, Rema, Ayra Starr, Omah Lay, Fireboy, BNXN, Oxlade, and Seyi Vibez is also expanding the conversation with their chart success and streaming strength.
Olamide preaches respect
Olamide maintained that personal opinions should not divide fans or discredit any artiste. He said the top artistes remain focused on their work and do not take social media arguments personally.
“There is plenty of room in the sky for everyone,” he wrote.
