Popular Nigerian music executive, Ubi Franklin, has explained why it may be difficult for Afrobeats superstars Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy to work together on a song.
Franklin, who is also a talent manager, shared his opinion during a recent episode of the Afropolitan podcast, where he spoke about the dynamics of the Nigerian music industry and the so-called “Big 3” — a title often used to describe the three globally recognised Nigerian artists.
According to Ubi Franklin, the reason a joint collaboration among them might not happen is not because they dislike each other, but because they are fierce competitors in the same space.
“It would be difficult for Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy to come together,” he said. “It’s like the rivalry between the top banks in Nigeria. In every industry, there is the Big 3.”
He said competition is normal in every field, including music, and that their positions at the top of the Afrobeats scene naturally create a kind of unspoken rivalry.
Despite that, Franklin was quick to clarify that the rivalry is not personal. He said he has never heard Davido, who he works closely with, speak negatively about either Wizkid or Burna Boy.
“I will speak for Davido. I have never heard him for once say something ill about Wizkid or Burna Boy. And I’m sure it’s the same for them,” he stated.
Franklin believes that while fans and media sometimes hype up the tension between the stars, the artists themselves may not hold any deep personal grudges. Instead, the environment they operate in makes collaboration complicated.
Fans of the three Afrobeats giants have long hoped for a joint track or performance, but public disagreements and subtle jabs on social media over the years have kept expectations low.
Despite dominating global charts individually, Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy have never released a song together, further fueling debates about competition versus unity in the industry.
Ubi Franklin’s remarks have added a new perspective to the ongoing conversation about collaboration and rivalry among Nigeria’s top music exports.
