The long-running rivalry between Nigerian music giants Wizkid and Davido has once again taken centre stage in the entertainment landscape, following the release of Apple Music’s rankings for the most-streamed albums of 2025 in Sub-Saharan Africa. Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, globally known as Wizkid, is back in the headlines after seemingly mocking Davido over the performance of their recent albums.
Apple Music announced that Wizkid’s album Morayo has secured the top spot as the most-streamed album of 2025 in Sub-Saharan Africa. Davido’s highly publicised project, 5ive, closely followed in second place. The development quickly sparked discussions across social media platforms, with fans of both artistes reviving debates about supremacy, artistry, and influence in Afrobeats.
The friendly rivalry between Wizkid and Davido has been part of Afrobeats culture for over a decade, with both artistes achieving remarkable global success. However, tensions often rise whenever one appears to outperform the other—especially when album sales, streaming numbers, or awards come into the conversation. The latest numbers from Apple Music have once again provided fuel for competitive banter, and Wizkid did not hesitate to capitalise on the moment.
Davido’s Earlier Boast Ignites Online Reactions
In the build-up to the release of 5ive, Davido confidently assured fans that his album would triumph over any other project released around the same time. His now-famous comment—“Album go swallow album”—was made in Pidgin during a social media session, and quickly circulated widely among fans who interpreted it as a playful jab at other artistes, particularly Wizkid.
Davido’s assertion had set high expectations among his supporters. With his global visibility, digital dominance, and consistent hit-making reputation, many anticipated that 5ive would top all charts effortlessly. And while the album has performed strongly, earning critical acclaim and impressive numbers, Apple Music’s data shows that Morayo slightly edged it out to claim the number one position.
The revelation that Wizkid’s project surpassed Davido’s has therefore reignited conversations around the two artistes’ competition, even as many supporters insist the rivalry should remain friendly and focused on artistic growth.
Wizkid’s Reaction: A Subtle but Stinging Tweet
Shortly after the rankings were announced, Wizkid took to social media with a message that many fans immediately interpreted as a direct response to Davido’s earlier comment. His post read:
“Dem say album go swallow album dem dey ground dey smell now!”
While he did not mention Davido by name, the context left little room for speculation. The post quickly went viral, sparking a cascade of memes, debates, and fan commentary. Some saw the tweet as light-hearted humour, while others viewed it as an unnecessary dig that could escalate tensions.
For long-time followers of the Afrobeats scene, such exchanges are nothing new. The two mega-stars, despite occasionally sharing moments of brotherhood, have also had moments of friction online. Their fanbases—arguably among the most passionate in Africa—play a major role in escalating these tensions, often amplifying misunderstanding and competition.
Fans React as Social Media Heats Up
The reactions from fans were swift. Wizkid FC celebrated the moment as a major win for their star, emphasising that Morayo’s streaming dominance affirms his staying power and unmatched artistry. Many fans praised Wizkid for delivering a body of work that resonated deeply across diverse audiences.
On the other hand, the 30BG fanbase defended Davido, arguing that 5ive remains one of the strongest projects of 2025, performing exceptionally across multiple markets and platforms. They also pointed out that streaming numbers can fluctuate over time and that Davido’s global fanbase ensures long-term impact.
Some neutral observers called for calm, urging both artistes and their fans to focus on celebrating the success of Nigerian music on the global stage rather than instigating rivalry. They noted that both albums breaking into the top rankings is a testament to Afrobeats’ cultural dominance and continued international relevance.
Davido Yet to Respond
As conversations continue to swirl online, Davido has not issued any public response to Wizkid’s tweet or the streaming rankings. Known for his lively online presence and bold personality, many are watching keenly to see whether he will address the situation directly or take a more diplomatic approach.
Davido’s silence has led to even more speculation, with some suggesting he may be preparing a strategic response, while others believe he may choose not to engage in order to avoid inflaming the rivalry further. Industry analysts argue that both artistes have evolved significantly in the last few years, and may choose to focus more on their craft, global tours, and growing international collaborations rather than internet exchanges.
Afrobeats Glory: A Win for the Culture
Regardless of the rivalry, one undeniable fact remains: Afrobeats continues to dominate global music conversations. Both Morayo and 5ive have received massive international attention, with streaming numbers from across Europe, North America, and Asia highlighting the genre’s increasing influence.
Wizkid and Davido remain two of Africa’s biggest music exports, and their accomplishments reflect the steady growth of the Nigerian music industry. Their projects continue to open doors for emerging artistes, while reinforcing Africa’s position as a creative powerhouse.
As 2025 progresses, fans eagerly await what each artiste will do next—more collaborations, international tours, or perhaps even a long-overdue reconciliation that could unite the Afrobeats community like never before.
For now, though, the rivalry has once again sparked excitement, conversation, and entertainment across the continent—and music lovers are here for every moment.
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