Afrobeats has become a global movement, with Nigerian artists dominating charts, selling out arenas, and gaining massive international recognition. But according to Asa Asika, co-managing partner at The Plug and Davido’s longtime manager, the genre could be even bigger, if its biggest stars would simply collaborate.
Speaking on the Afropolitan Podcast, Asa Asika reflected on the missed opportunities among the genre’s leading acts: Davido, Wizkid, and Burna Boy, popularly referred to as The Big 3. He believes a joint effort between these three heavyweights could elevate Afrobeats to unprecedented heights.
Using Latin music as an example, Asika highlighted how artists like Bad Bunny, J Balvin, and Nicky Jam have built a global powerhouse through consistent collaborations.
“That’s a mistake we made,” he said. “Latin music is very popular due to the collaboration of artists like Bad Bunny, J Balvin, and Nicky Jam.”
Asika added that a collaboration between Davido and Wizkid, in particular, would have a significant impact not only on the music but also on the business side of things, including higher ticket values, stronger tours, and a more united cultural front.
While fans have long fantasized about what a joint project between the Big 3 might sound like, there’s still the lingering question: would it really deliver the kind of returns people expect?
From a purely commercial and cultural standpoint, the answer leans toward yes. Between the three of them, Davido, Wizkid, and Burna Boy boast tens of millions of fans across the globe. A joint album or single would likely dominate streaming platforms, trend worldwide, and serve as a cultural milestone. A global tour would be a once-in-a-lifetime event, likely smashing ticket sales records across continents.
However, what continues to stand in the way is not talent or opportunity, but rivalry and ego.
The competitive dynamic between these three stars has helped fuel their individual rises. Davido and Wizkid’s long-standing feud has spanned over a decade and played a significant role in shaping the Afrobeats scene, with each artist pushing the other to outdo him. Burna Boy’s own complicated relationship with both the industry and his peers has similarly helped mold his independent path to international stardom.
This competition, while beneficial in raising the bar for Nigerian music, has also made unity difficult. As Asa Asika pointed out, collaborations are about more than music, they’re about strategy, unity, and a shared vision for the culture.
Still, glimmers of hope have surfaced. In a 2024 interview, Davido dismissed talks of beef and hinted at a possible collaboration with both Wizkid and Burna Boy. Around the same time, Wizkid expressed plans for a tour with Davido, although things have cooled since then. Despite public tension, each of the stars has, at different times, shown a willingness to let bygones be bygones.
But until actions match words, the dream remains unrealized.
For now, fans can only imagine what such a collaboration would sound like, and what it could mean for Afrobeats on the world stage. One thing is certain: if Davido, Wizkid, and Burna Boy ever do decide to join forces, it wouldn’t just be a moment in Nigerian music history. It would be a global event.
