Manny Ita
Veteran Nigerian musician Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has weighed in on the long-running debate over Afrobeats’ leading stars, describing Burna Boy as the artist currently setting the global pace.
Speaking on the Mic On podcast on Tuesday, 2Baba acknowledged the achievements of Wizkid and Davido, saying both artists were doing “fantastically well” and had contributed significantly to the global growth of Afrobeats. However, he said Burna Boy’s current trajectory placed him ahead of his peers on the world stage.
According to the award-winning singer, Burna Boy’s influence, international reach and consistency in filling major arenas across continents have distinguished him in the present phase of Afrobeats’ expansion. “Right now, Burna is on a different level globally,” 2Baba said during the conversation.
He noted that the so-called “Big 3” debate often shifts with time and output, stressing that all three artists have played crucial roles in exporting Nigerian music to a global audience. Nevertheless, he argued that Burna Boy’s recent run of global performances, awards and collaborations had set him apart at the moment.
2Baba’s comments have since sparked renewed discussion among fans and industry observers, with many interpreting his remarks as a reflection of Afrobeats’ evolving hierarchy rather than a dismissal of the other leading acts.
