For years, the phrase “Afrobeats Big 3”, referring to Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy — has dominated discussions about Nigerian music.
While the trio’s global achievements are undeniable, the narrative around the Big 3 is increasingly being criticised as unfair, outdated, and damaging to the wider music ecosystem.
Here are reasons the phrase may be doing more harm than good to the Nigerian music industry:
1. It Overshadows Other Talented Artistes
The Nigerian music scene is rich with diversity, from Rema, Asake, Tems, Ayra Starr, Fireboy DML, Seyi Vibez, and many more.
However, the Big 3 label often sidelines these artistes.
It reduces the global conversation to just three names and creating the illusion that others are secondary.
Also, this narrative stifles recognition for those redefining the sound of Afrobeats.
2. Exclusion of Women in Afrobeats
The phrase unintentionally reinforces gender imbalance.
Despite Tems winning Grammys and Tiwa Savage, Ayra Starr, and Yemi Alade making waves internationally, the Big 3 conversation excludes women completely.
This sends the wrong message, that female contributions are less significant.
This is harmful to industry growth.
3. Creates Unnecessary Rivalries
By constantly pitting Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy against each other, the Big 3 narrative fuels unhealthy stan wars.
Also, online fanbases engage in toxic battles instead of celebrating collective wins for Afrobeats.
Instead of unity, it often fosters division that overshadows the music itself.
4. Limits the Global Narrative of Afrobeats
Afrobeats is not the creation of three artistes, it is a cultural movement built on the legacy of legends like Fela Kuti, King Sunny Ade, Lagbaja, 2Face Idibia, and many others.
Reducing it to just three modern names oversimplifies Nigeria’s rich musical heritage.
Also, it restricts how global audiences perceive the genre.
5. Discourages Upcoming Talents
Emerging artistes may feel overshadowed by the dominance of the Big 3 narrative.
If the global spotlight is fixated on only three names, upcoming stars may struggle to break into mainstream recognition, no matter how innovative their sound is.
Also, this can discourage fresh creativity in the long run.
6. Ignores Evolving Industry Dynamics
Music is dynamic, and new stars emerge every year.
Already, artistes like Rema, Asake, and Tems are commanding arenas worldwide and topping global charts.
People Also Read: Tiwa Savage: Tems Deserves A Spot In Afrobeats’ Big 3
Yet the Big 3 phrase locks the industry in the past, making it harder for narratives to evolve with the current reality of Afrobeats.
