For years, the Nigerian music industry had an undisputed “Big 3”: Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy. These superstars dominated the charts, set international records, and carried Afrobeats to global heights. But today, with the rise of new-gen artists like Rema, Asake, Omah Lay, and Tems, many are questioning whether this hierarchy still exists.
Has the “Big 3” era ended, or are these legends still running the game? In this episode of CTDA Media’s podcast, our hosts, Oyebanji Akins and Big Vikk, dive deep into this heated debate, discussing whether the Nigerian music industry still has a clear top three or if things are shifting.
The Reign of the “Big 3”
The idea of a “Big 3” wasn’t just a fan-made concept; it was backed by numbers, global recognition, and undeniable influence. Here’s a quick breakdown:
– Wizkid: The first Afrobeats artist to win a Grammy, multiple Billboard Hot 100 entries, and an artist who changed the sound of the industry.
– Davido: The hitmaker with countless anthems, a die-hard fanbase, and an unmatched ability to make global headlines.
– Burna Boy: The African Giant who took Afrofusion to Grammy-winning levels and made stadium performances the new standard.
For years, these three were untouchable. But is that still the case today?
The Changing Landscape: A Shift in the “Top 3” Concept?
During the podcast, Oyebanji Akins asked a key question:
Are we going to keep saying ‘Top 3’ like we did before?
Big Vikk responded,
Yes, we will, but not with the same set of artists.
He acknowledged that while Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy are still at the top, the industry is evolving. By 2025, he predicts that two or three more artists will emerge and shake the market internationally.
Afrobeats is now a global force, and the dominance of one fixed set of artists is being challenged by a new wave of superstars. Artists like:
– Rema, who has broken global streaming records and headlined international concerts.
– Asake, who turned Amapiano-infused Afrobeats into a lifestyle and took over 2022 and 2023.
– Tems, the first Nigerian female artist to win a Grammy and change the sound of Afrobeats with her R&B-infused style.
These artists are no longer just “emerging”—they are competing at the same level as the former “Big 3.”
The Role of Fanbases & Industry Influence
Akins pointed out that part of what solidified Wizkid and Davido’s dominance was their understanding of the importance of fanbases.
They were the smartest to realize they needed to create a fanbase.
He noted.
However, Big Vikk, in his opinion, said,
The marketers and those behind the scenes played a role in building these fanbases and the fanbase is what made us understand that there is a ‘Top 3.
He explained that when the same three or four artists keep winning major awards and competing in the same categories, it naturally leads to the idea of a “Top 3.” But he believes that by 2025, the concept will expand to a ‘Top 5’ instead of just three artists.
Fido’s Potential & Industry Strategy
Akins questioned why Big Vikk didn’t mention Fido when he listed 2 other artists (Asake and Rema) alongside the known top 3 (Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido).
Big Vikk explained that in his opinion, Fido doesn’t qualify for the “Top 3” discussion yet because he hasn’t released an EP or album. He believes having a body of work is crucial but still sees Fido as a strong prospect.
When Akins asked what Fido should work on, Big Vikk advised that Fido should stay consistent with his grind and stick to his team.
Akins also made his contribution on Fido, highlighting a major flaw in Fido’s current trajectory.
He pointed out that Fido’s team needs to work on his visibility if they want him to start working internationally. In his words:
You can’t have two songs that top the charts, yet you’re not having interviews and no one is talking about you. His songs are known in America, but Fido himself isn’t known in America.
He stressed that Fido’s team needs to leverage his current success to build his fanbase. Since his songs have given him “awareness”, they should focus on Public Relations (PR) not just for content creation for his songs to reign.
He also pointed out the need for strategic partnerships with radio stations that will increase his fan base, just like Davido did early in his career.
Kizz Daniel & Fido: A Controversial Move?
Akins then asked a bold question:
Do you think Kizz Daniel was right to jump on Fido’s song?
Big Vikk responded that Kizz Daniel was likely “just catching cruise,” but he shouldn’t be doing that at his level.
If you want to jump on somebody’s song, let it be a feature.
Big Vikk added.
However, Akins had another theory—he believes Kizz Daniel did it out of fear.
Akins’ Top 5 Artists to Watch in 2025
To wrap up the episode, Akins, as a critic, predicted the Top 5 artists who will make a name in 2025 based on people’s involvement with their lyrics and how genuine they sing, not just based on commercial music.
His list:
1. Burna Boy
2. Asake
3. Wizkid
4. Llona
5. Fido
Final Thoughts: What Do You Think?
The Nigerian music industry is no longer predictable, and that’s what makes it exciting. Whether there’s still a Top 3 or not, one thing is certain—Afrobeats is bigger than ever.
So, what do you think? Is the “Big 3” still relevant, or has the industry outgrown it? Will we see a Top 5 instead?
Share your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to listen to the full episode of our podcast to hear all the hot takes!
