Nigerian singer Brymo has sparked fresh debate in the music industry after calling on some of Afrobeats’ biggest names to make space for younger artistes shaping the current sound of Nigerian pop.
Speaking in a recent interview with TVC, the controversial singer challenged the long-standing “Big 3” narrative that centers Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy as the dominant forces in Afrobeats.
He argued that the label gives the trio continued visibility and influence, even as a new generation of artists reshapes the sound and global direction of Nigerian pop music.
According to Brymo, the industry is overdue for a shift in leadership, insisting that younger acts should now be at the forefront of mainstream conversations.
He specifically pointed to Mavin Records star Rema, saying the young artist should already be regarded as Nigeria’s leading pop star without contest.
Brymo questioned why veteran acts like 2Face, Olamide, Wizkid, and Burna Boy still dominate discussions around contemporary pop relevance, suggesting that their influence no longer reflects current listener preferences.
“Some artists want to lock down the industry for themselves with the ‘Big 3’ narrative and continue reigning forever.”
He went further, arguing that the continued prominence of these established stars does not match what he perceives as shifting audience engagement.
“They should shift aside. Right now, Rema should be the biggest pop star in the country without any doubt. All this talk about Wizkid, 2Face, Olamide, Burna Boy. Why? In the Pop scene?? Wetin dem dey sing? You can plug the radio, but nobody likes your stuff anymore. Move aside, evolve.”
The remarks add to Brymo’s long history of provocative commentary on the Nigerian music industry, where he has frequently questioned mainstream narratives and challenged established hierarchies.
While his comments are likely to intensify ongoing debates about generational change in Afrobeats, they also highlight a broader reality: Nigeria’s music scene is increasingly defined by rapid turnover, global crossover success, and a growing pool of young artists competing for dominance on streaming platforms and international charts.
Whether viewed as critique or provocation, Brymo’s latest statements reinforce a familiar tension in Afrobeats—between legacy stars who helped globalise the genre and emerging acts pushing its next evolution.