Nigerian music legend Innocent Ujah Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has once again thrust himself into the centre of Nigeria’s most enduring music debate, reigniting the fierce battle for Afrobeat supremacy in an industry now dominated by younger global stars.
With one statement, the pioneer behind African Queen has reopened old arguments, stirred new rivalries, and reminded fans that the question of who truly wears the Afrobeats crown remains far from settled.
The renewed controversy followed 2Baba’s appearance on the Mic On Podcast hosted by journalist Seun Okinbaloye, which aired on February 8, 2026. Asked to weigh in on the long-running “Big Three” debate involving Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido, the veteran artist did not hedge his words.
“I have my favourite songs from all of them, but if I’m put on the spot, I think Burna Boy is on top of the game right now,” 2Baba said. “He’s on top of the chain, not just in Nigeria or Africa, in the world.”
The endorsement immediately sent shockwaves through the Afrobeats community. For years, fans have measured supremacy through streams, awards, and sold-out concerts, often likening the rivalry to classic hip-hop face-offs. Coming from 2Baba, widely regarded as the godfather of modern Nigerian pop, the comment carried unusual weight.
Burna Boy’s rise has been hard to ignore. Since his 2019 album African Giant, the singer has blended Afrobeat with global sounds, earning international acclaim, a Grammy Award, and a consistent presence on world stages. Wizkid and Davido, however, remain formidable forces, with landmark projects like Made in Lagos and Timeless cementing their global status.
Within hours of the podcast’s release, reactions flooded social media. The hashtag #AfrobeatsBig3 trended as Burna Boy fans celebrated what they saw as validation from a legend. Supporters of Wizkid and Davido pushed back, pointing to milestones such as Wizkid’s collaboration with Beyoncé on Brown Skin Girl and Davido’s record-breaking tours and streaming numbers.
Beyond fan rivalries, industry commentators offered deeper analysis. Journalist Joey Akan argued in a viral thread that Burna Boy’s creative edge is driven by past industry snubs, which continue to fuel his ambition and output. He suggested that rivalry itself remains a key engine of Afrobeats’ global success.
At the heart of the debate lies a generational divide. Younger listeners often define supremacy by charts, streams, and international visibility. Older fans and industry veterans emphasize influence, longevity, and cultural impact. It is in this space that 2Baba’s legacy looms large.
With a career spanning more than three decades, 2Baba is credited with laying the emotional and commercial foundations of modern Afrobeats. African Queen became the first Nigerian music video aired on MTV Base Africa, while his debut album Face2Face reportedly sold a million copies within its first week. Turning 50 in 2025, he was widely celebrated for his classic albums and enduring cultural relevance.
Yet his recent visibility has not been without controversy. Discussions around his personal life, including his separation from his wife Annie Macaulay, have kept him in public discourse. Tensions also flared after his comments dismissing comparisons between Wizkid and Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, which he described as unfair to both artists.
Read also:
- How 2Baba reignites Afrobeat supremacy battle in Nigeria
- Gov. Alia appoints 2Face as adviser on entertainment, community outreach
- “African Queen is a Blessing and a Curse” – 2Face Idibia
Wizkid responded sharply on social media, a post that quickly went viral and further polarized fans. While some accused 2Baba of bias, others defended his right to speak as a pioneer who witnessed the genre’s evolution from its earliest days.
By publicly naming Burna Boy as his current pick, while effectively sidelining Wizkid and Davido, 2Baba has poured fresh fuel on an already intense rivalry. Whether his intervention unifies the scene or deepens existing divides remains unclear.
What is certain is that Afrobeats, now a global cultural force from Billboard charts to festival stages, continues to thrive on competition, conversation, and legacy. In stepping back into the spotlight, 2Baba has not only endorsed a new leader but also reminded Nigeria, and the world, that the Afrobeat crown is always contested and never secure.
