In a bold statement that has ignited discussions across the music industry, Nigerian music icon Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has named Burna Boy as the foremost Afrobeats artist, placing him ahead of Davido and Wizkid in Nigeria and on the global stage.
This declaration comes from 2Baba's recent appearance on the MIC ON podcast, where he shared his insights on the current landscape of African music.
2Baba, celebrated for his timeless hits like "African Queen," emphasized his admiration for all three artists but highlighted Burna Boy's current dominance.
"I have my favourite songs from each, from all of them. But if I must be put on the spot, I think Burna is on the top of the game right now," he stated. He further elaborated, "Not just in Nigeria, in Africa, in the world. He’s on that but everybody’s doing fantastically well."
The veteran artist clarified that his assessment is based on global influence and his deep understanding of the music world, rather than metrics like financial success or fan bases.
"From what I can measure from at least common sense and understanding of the music world, I think right now Burna is on top of this chain," 2Baba explained during the interview.
Burna Boy, whose real name is Damini Ogulu, has been a trailblazer in elevating Afrobeats internationally, with Grammy wins and sold out global tours underscoring his impact.
Meanwhile Davido and Wizkid continue to achieve remarkable feats, contributing to the genre's worldwide popularity. 2Baba's comments acknowledge their successes while spotlighting Burna Boy's current edge.
This statement has sparked widespread reactions on social media and forums, with fans debating the "big three" of Afrobeats. Industry observers note that such endorsements from legends like 2Baba could further solidify Burna Boy's position as a global ambassador for Nigerian music.