The long-standing debate over who truly reigns supreme in Nigeria’s vibrant Afrobeats scene has once again taken center stage — this time, sparked by a bold declaration from music superstar Wizkid.
In a recent post shared on his Instagram story, the Grammy-winning artist referred to himself as “001,” a title often used by fans to signify the top figure in Nigerian music. His statement quickly reignited the never-ending conversation surrounding Nigeria’s “Big Three” — Davido, Wizkid, and Burna Boy — whose global dominance has defined the continent’s sound over the past decade.
However, Wizkid’s self-proclaimed title did not go unnoticed by fans and industry figures. Among those who reacted was Israel DMW, the outspoken logistics manager and associate of Davido, who took a playful jab at Wizkid following his claim.
Responding in the comment section of a viral post that highlighted Wizkid’s statement, Israel DMW wrote:
“Na by mouth? Drop gbedus shit.”
His response — written in Nigerian Pidgin — loosely translates to, “It’s not by talking; drop hit songs.” The remark quickly went viral, drawing laughter, reactions, and mixed opinions across social media platforms, especially among fan bases of the three music heavyweights.
The “001” Debate: A Battle of Influence and Legacy
The title “001” has long been associated with Davido, who frequently uses the tag in his social media bios, stage introductions, and branding. His fans, known as the 30BG (30 Billion Gang), proudly refer to him as “001,” symbolizing his dominance, generosity, and widespread influence in Nigerian pop culture.
Wizkid’s adoption of the title, therefore, sparked curiosity and controversy in equal measure. Some fans saw it as a lighthearted moment or simple confidence from the “Essence” crooner, while others interpreted it as a subtle dig aimed at Davido, reigniting the rivalry between their fan bases.
The Afrobeats scene has for years witnessed friendly — and sometimes heated — competition between these leading artists. Each has a massive international following, a catalog of global hits, and unique contributions to the genre’s growth.
Wizkid, whose 2020 album Made in Lagos elevated Afrobeats to new global heights, boasts Grammy recognition and collaborations with artists like Drake, Beyoncé, and Justin Bieber.
Davido, on the other hand, is known for his energetic stage presence, consistency, and global crossover success, with hits like Fall, If, Unavailable, and Blow My Mind. His 2023 Timeless album earned widespread acclaim and reaffirmed his staying power.
Burna Boy, the third member of the “Big Three,” has also carved a unique lane with his fusion of Afro-fusion, dancehall, and reggae influences. His Grammy-winning album Twice As Tall and sold-out stadium tours have cemented his reputation as one of Africa’s most powerful global exports.
Tiwa Savage’s Take Adds More Drama
Amid the renewed debate, Nigerian songstress Tiwa Savage waded into the conversation with a tongue-in-cheek post. Taking to social media, she humorously labeled Davido as “001” and Burna Boy as “002,” deliberately leaving Wizkid’s name out of the rankings.
Her post added another layer of excitement — and confusion — to the conversation, as fans interpreted her remark in different ways. Some saw it as playful banter, while others viewed it as subtle support for Davido in the ongoing “who is number one” discourse.
Israel DMW’s Playful Jab Sparks Online Frenzy
Known for his loyalty and humor, Israel DMW has often been at the forefront of defending Davido whenever rival fan groups attempt to undermine his boss’s achievements. His recent comment mocking Wizkid was no exception.
Social media was instantly flooded with reactions, with fans of all three artists taking sides. Some applauded Israel for standing up for Davido, while others criticized him for fueling unnecessary rivalry.
One fan on X (formerly Twitter) wrote:
“Israel DMW is always ready for Davido’s battles. The man deserves an award for loyalty.”
Another commented:
“Wizkid is too big to respond to that. Everyone knows the title ‘001’ belongs to Davido. It’s been his thing for years.”
However, a Wizkid FC fan countered, saying:
“Wizkid doesn’t need to drop gbedu to prove anything. His music speaks for itself — he’s still the GOAT.”
As the online debate continued, both Davido and Wizkid remained silent, maintaining their usual public composure despite the viral uproar surrounding their fan bases.
A Decade of Rivalry, Respect, and Recognition
The friendly competition between Davido and Wizkid dates back more than a decade. Both artists broke into the spotlight in the early 2010s and have since led Afrobeats into global prominence.
Wizkid’s Ojuelegba and Come Closer collaborations opened major doors for Nigerian music on the international stage, while Davido’s chart-topping hits and high-energy performances established him as one of Africa’s most marketable artists.
Over the years, both stars have occasionally exchanged subtle jabs — through interviews, lyrics, or social media posts — but have also shown mutual respect on several occasions. Fans still remember their 2017 reconciliation moment at Davido’s concert, where Wizkid made a surprise appearance, sending crowds into a frenzy.
However, moments of peace between their fan bases are often short-lived, as new statements, comparisons, or awards reignite the never-ending conversation about who the true “number one” is.
Beyond Titles: Afrobeats’ Global Power
Industry insiders suggest that while titles like “001” or “002” may stir excitement among fans, the real focus should be on how Nigerian artists continue to dominate the global music scene.
Music journalist Ayo Adeyemo told Africa Live News that such rivalries, though sometimes intense, play a role in keeping the genre competitive and innovative. “When you look at it closely, the so-called supremacy battles actually push these artists to do better. The result is that Afrobeats keeps growing globally,” he said.
Indeed, all three — Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy — have made history in their own right. Wizkid’s Essence became the first Nigerian song to break into the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10. Davido performed at the FIFA World Cup closing ceremony in Qatar, becoming the first African artist to achieve the feat. Burna Boy, meanwhile, has sold out stadiums across Europe and America, a milestone few African artists have reached.
Conclusion
While Wizkid’s recent “001” declaration has reignited the long-running debate over Nigeria’s top Afrobeats star, industry observers believe it ultimately reflects the genre’s healthy competitiveness and global dominance.
Israel DMW’s tongue-in-cheek comment, though lighthearted, underscores the passion and loyalty that define Afrobeats fandom. Whether one leans toward Wizkid, Davido, or Burna Boy, there’s no denying that all three continue to elevate Nigerian music to unprecedented heights.
As fans continue to debate who truly deserves the “001” crown, one truth remains clear — Nigerian music has conquered the world, and the stars leading the charge are all winning in their own unique ways.
