Music executive Ubi Franklin has shed light on why a collaboration between Afrobeats’ leading stars Wizkid, Davido and Burna Boy may remain unlikely.
Speaking on the Afropolitan podcast, Franklin likened the relationship among the three global acts to the competitive dynamics between Nigeria’s top banks, noting that while each is successful, the rivalry inherent in their positions makes working together difficult.
Franklin explained that despite the long-standing comparisons between the trio, he has never heard Davido speak negatively about either Wizkid or Burna Boy in private. He maintained that the challenge is not necessarily about personal animosity but about the structures of the music industry, where each artiste represents a powerful brand with its own market dominance and fan base.
The remarks add context to ongoing conversations about the possibility of a joint project among the three artistes, who are collectively regarded as Afrobeats’ “Big 3.” Their individual successes on global stages have fueled public anticipation for a collaboration, but Franklin’s comments suggest that the competitive environment surrounding their careers continues to be a significant barrier.
Would you like me to also weave in some professional background on past instances where top Afrobeats stars came close to collaborating but didn’t, to strengthen context?
