2Baba Places Burna Boy Ahead of Wizkid and Davido in Afrobeats “Big 3” Conversation

Music icon Innocent “2Baba” Idibia has shared his thoughts on the long-standing Afrobeats “Big 3” debate, naming Burna Boy as the standout ahead of Wizkid and Davido in the current era.

The veteran artist made this known during his appearance on the Mic On Podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye on February 7, 2026. The discussion explored music, legacy, and how greatness should be evaluated in today’s Afrobeats scene.

Burna Boy Sits at the Top, Says 2Baba

When asked to weigh in on the ongoing argument over who reigns supreme among Davido, Wizkid, and Burna Boy, 2Baba emphasized that his opinion was based on observation rather than emotion or personal relationships.

Although he expressed appreciation for the music of all three stars, he stated that Burna Boy currently occupies “the top of the chain” from a musical standpoint, judging by his understanding of the global music space.

According to 2Baba, Burna Boy distinguishes himself through his talent, creativity, and performance delivery. He noted that every artist brings a unique sound, but clarified that his assessment was strictly about musical influence, not wealth or private achievements, which he said he has no access to. For him, reach and artistic impact were the deciding factors.

Burna Boy’s Rise on the Global Stage

Recent milestones in Burna Boy’s career appear to support 2Baba’s stance. The singer’s latest world tour shattered records, earning him the title of the highest-grossing African touring artist of all time.

At the 2026 Grammy Awards, Burna Boy also achieved a historic seventh consecutive nomination — the most by any African artist — with nominations in Best Global Music Album and Best African Music Performance. His total Grammy nominations now stand at 13, underscoring his expanding international influence.

Despite singling out Burna Boy, 2Baba acknowledged that Wizkid and Davido are also thriving and making remarkable contributions to the global success of Nigerian music. He added that opinions about who is the greatest often come down to personal preference rather than any fixed benchmark.

2Baba Rejects Wizkid–Fela Comparisons

The singer also addressed another trending debate during the podcast — comparisons between Wizkid and Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti. 2Baba dismissed such arguments as “ridiculous,” stating that they diminish Fela’s legacy and unfairly place Wizkid in an incomparable position, as both artists belong to entirely different generations and serve different cultural roles.

His remarks followed Fela Kuti’s posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in January 2026, which reignited online debates after a clash between Seun Kuti and some Wizkid fan groups over artistic greatness.

The Everlasting “Big 3” Debate

For years, Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy have been collectively labeled the “Big 3” of Afrobeats by fans, critics, and media outlets, recognizing them as Nigeria’s most globally dominant artists.

The rivalry over who stands above the rest has remained intense, drawing opinions from fans, industry insiders, and the artists themselves. In late 2025, rapper and music executive Olamide declared Wizkid the greatest star of Nigeria’s modern music era, a statement that sparked widespread reactions.

Each of the three superstars has also publicly claimed the top spot: Davido brands himself as “001,” Wizkid is known as the “Biggest Bird” and “Number 1,” while Burna Boy often refers to himself as “The Highest.”

Given 2Baba’s legendary status and influence, his opinion is bound to resonate within the industry. Still, it’s unlikely to bring the debate to an end, as the Afrobeats “Big 3” conversation continues to evolve with every new chapter.