Olamide Names Wizkid Greatest Afrobeats Star After Fela Kuti

Nigerian music icon Olamide has sparked conversation in the industry after declaring Wizkid the greatest Afrobeats artist of all time, second only to the legendary Fela Kuti.

The YBNL boss made the comment during a press event in Toronto, Canada, ahead of his performance on November 14. A video of the statement quickly circulated online, with fans and analysts praising Olamide’s candid acknowledgment of Wizkid’s impact.

When asked about his musical chemistry with Wizkid, Olamide took the opportunity to commend the singer’s influence and global reach. “You know that after Fela, Wizkid is the greatest Afrobeats artiste ever,” he said, underscoring Wizkid’s prominence in the genre today.

The remark has reignited discussions about the distinction between Afrobeat—the politically charged, jazz-infused style pioneered by Fela Kuti—and the contemporary Afrobeats, which blends Afrobeat with hip-hop, R&B, electronic, and dancehall sounds.

Olamide has previously shown admiration for Wizkid, describing him as a “solid dude” who continuously offers support and respect. He also shared insights into his friendship with Nigeria’s leading global stars, Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy, emphasizing that their bond goes beyond public perception.

“They are all my friends. They just like making troubles — Wiz, David, Burna. They are cool dudes. Many people will not just align with no many things,” he noted.

Widely referred to as the Afrobeats Big 3, Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy have played a major role in taking the genre to international audiences. Olamide’s statement has reignited conversations around Afrobeats’ legacy, influence, and continued evolution on the global music stage.