In today’s Afrobeats conversation, three names rise above all others: Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy. Collectively known as the Big 3, they are not just Nigeria’s leading music exports; they are global icons who have each, in their own way, shaped the genre into a worldwide cultural force.
Far from being a label born out of hype, the “Afrobeats Big 3” reflects a decade of artistry, reinvention, and global conquest. Wizkid, the smooth “Starboy” who turned minimalism into a brand; Davido, the ever-vibrant “OBO” whose energy and visibility carried Afrobeats into every corner of the world; and Burna Boy, the “African Giant” whose unapologetic authenticity earned him Grammy gold — together, they represent the three pillars upon which modern Afrobeats rests.
Wizkid: The Starboy Effect
Wizkid’s journey began in Surulere, Lagos, with a voice that sounded like summer bottled in melody. His debut album Superstar (2011) not only gave Nigeria timeless classics like Holla at Your Boy but also opened the door for a new generation of pop acts. Wizkid’s genius lies in his subtlety — a minimalist sound that blends seamlessly into global pop while still retaining African soul.
From his EME Records days to international collaborations with Drake, Beyoncé, and Justin Bieber, Wizkid has consistently set trends without ever forcing them. Today, he is more than an artist; he is a cultural figure whose effortless cool has redefined Afrobeats as a lifestyle and fashion statement.
Davido: The People’s Champion
If Wizkid is calm and cool, Davido is fire. Loud, energetic, and impossible to ignore, Davido’s brand is built on accessibility. He is the “Baddest” who connects with fans by sharing his life openly — from his music to his philanthropy. His debut album O.B.O – The Genesis (2012) laid the foundation for what would become one of Afrobeats’ most consistent and visible careers.
Davido thrives on collaboration, seamlessly blending Afrobeats with global genres through partnerships with Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj, Popcaan, and more. But beyond music, his “30BG” movement transformed into a cultural identity for young Africans worldwide. Always present, always visible, Davido embodies the spirit of Afrobeats as a communal experience.
Burna Boy: The African Giant
The last of the trio to ascend, Burna Boy’s rise was anything but overnight. For years, he was the underrated genius, quietly refining a unique sound that fused Afrobeats with reggae, dancehall, and hip-hop. His international breakthrough came with Ye, and albums like Outside and African Giant pushed him to the forefront of global music.
The defining moment came with Twice As Tall (2020), which earned him a Grammy — not just for himself, but as a symbol of Afrobeats’ legitimacy on the world stage. Today, Burna Boy fills arenas like Madison Square Garden, projecting an unapologetic African identity that resonates across continents. He has become the voice of the continent, rewriting the African narrative with every performance.
Different Paths, Same Impact
While their sounds and strategies differ, Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy share one powerful trait: the ability to make the world dance to Africa’s heartbeat. Each artist reflects a different facet of Afrobeats — the minimalist, the showman, and the revolutionary. Together, they have transformed a once-local sound into a global phenomenon, laying the blueprint for the next wave of African superstars.
The Big 3 are more than just pop stars. They are cultural architects, redefining what it means to be African in music, fashion, and lifestyle.
