Nigerian music executive Ubi Franklin has weighed in on the long-standing conversation surrounding Afrobeats’ leading stars—Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy, collectively referred to as the genre’s “Big 3.” Speaking on a recent episode of the Afropolitan podcast, Franklin explained why a collaboration among the trio may remain elusive.
According to Franklin, the competitive nature of the music industry makes it difficult for top-tier artists to work together, especially when they occupy similar positions of influence and dominance. Drawing parallels with the rivalry among Nigeria’s top banks, he noted that every industry has its elite players, and competition at that level is inevitable.
“It would be difficult for Wizkid, Davido and Burna Boy to come together,” Franklin said. “I will speak for Davido, I have never heard him say anything ill about Wizkid or Burna Boy. And I’m sure it’s the same for them. But the environment [industry] they are in will make it difficult for them to work together.”
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Despite fan speculation and perceived tension among the stars, Franklin emphasized that the rivalry is largely professional and doesn’t extend into personal animosity. He described the dynamic as one shaped by industry pressures rather than interpersonal conflict.
“It’s like the rivalry between the top banks in Nigeria. In every industry, there is the Big 3,” he added.
Franklin’s comments have reignited discussions online about whether the trio will ever unite on a track, and what such a collaboration could mean for Afrobeats on a global scale.
