The long-running debate over Nigeria’s Afrobeats hierarchy gained fresh momentum after veteran music star Innocent “2Baba” Idibia identified Burna Boy as the artist currently setting the pace on the global stage.
Speaking during an appearance on the Mic On Podcast, the award-winning singer said while he holds deep appreciation for the work of leading Afrobeats figures such as Davido and Wizkid, his assessment places Burna Boy at the forefront of the genre at this moment. According to him, the “African Giant” is operating on a distinct musical level compared to his contemporaries.
2Baba explained that judging artists is similar to comparing painters, each defined by unique styles, techniques, and expressions. He stressed that such evaluations are largely subjective and shaped by personal taste rather than rigid metrics.
Although he acknowledged having favourite songs from all the major Afrobeats stars, 2Baba said his opinion was formed by observing the broader global music landscape. He clarified that his comments were not influenced by personal rivalries, commercial success, or private achievements.
The music icon noted that he was not privy to details such as artists’ financial standings or individual accolades, adding that his assessment was based purely on general understanding, visibility, and impact within the global music ecosystem. From that perspective, he maintained that Burna Boy currently stands at the top of the chain.
He further emphasised that Burna Boy’s influence extends beyond Nigeria, describing his reach as continental and international, while also acknowledging that other Afrobeats stars continue to perform exceptionally well in their own right.
Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid are widely regarded as Nigeria’s Afrobeats “big three,” a label that has fueled years of fan debates and industry discussions over artistic dominance. 2Baba’s remarks add a notable voice to the conversation, reflecting how industry veterans view the evolving dynamics of Afrobeats on the world stage.