Nigerian rapper and YBNL leader Olamide has sparked renewed discussion in the Afrobeats scene by naming Wizkid as the greatest Afrobeats artist of his generation, second only to the legendary Fela Kuti.
He said this during an interactive session with students at York University in Toronto, where he spoke about Nigerian music, culture, and the global growth of Afrobeats.
At the event, Olamide highlighted his long-term collaborations with Wizkid, mentioning hits like ‘Kana’ and ‘Street OT’, which have been fan favourites since 2011.
Commending Wizkid for taking Afrobeats to the international stage, Olamide stated, “I’ve had the privilege of working with Wizkid — we’ve made so many songs together. You know say after Fela, Wizkid is the greatest Afrobeats artist ever.”
The declaration immediately electrified the audience, drawing loud cheers from students and quickly going viral across social media platforms.
Fans lauded Olamide’s candour, while others reignited debates about the genre’s current leaders, often comparing Wizkid to other Nigerian stars such as Burna Boy and Davido.
Olamide’s remarks come amid an ongoing discourse within the Nigerian music industry about Afrobeats’ global impact and the artists leading the charge.
Earlier this year, Burna Boy stirred controversy by declaring himself the greatest African artist after Fela Kuti, while Davido has repeatedly referred to himself as the “King of Afrobeats.” These claims have long fuelled social media debates among fans, often dividing followers of the three artists.
Olamide, however, framed his praise for Wizkid within the context of their musical harmony and shared success rather than competition.
He emphasised that their collaborations were driven by artistic synergy, noting that Wizkid’s consistency and international acclaim have helped Afrobeats reach wider audiences around the world.
This is not the first time Olamide has publicly celebrated the achievements of his peers. Over the years, he has frequently spoken about the importance of collaboration and mutual recognition in Nigerian music.
Fans on social media reacted passionately. Many praised Olamide for “giving Wizkid his flowers” and recognising his contributions, while others engaged in debates defending Burna Boy or Davido.
The York University session also highlighted the broader cultural impact of Nigerian music. Students engaged actively in discussions about musical legacy, globalisation of African sounds, and the role of collaboration in creating hits that resonate worldwide.
Olamide’s statement served as a catalyst for these conversations, reaffirming Afrobeats’ status as a dominant cultural export from Nigeria.
