Veteran Nigerian music icon D’banj has set social media abuzz with his recent comments during an appearance on the Adesope Live podcast, where he named his current top three favourite Nigerian artists, conspicuously excluding global Afrobeats superstar, Wizkid.
In the revealing chat, the self-acclaimed Koko Master was asked to name the artists he’s currently listening to, and he didn’t hesitate to heap praise on Rema, Davido, and Burna Boy for their unique contributions to music and their powerful stage presence.
“Shout out to Rema. I like his energy… Then there is Davido. People should learn from the way he carries himself, like he doesn’t have a penny, yet he’s so consistent. Burna Boy is too intentional, his live shows are amazing,” D’banj said.
His remarks have since gone viral, triggering mixed reactions across various social media platforms. While many fans lauded his appreciation of the new-generation stars and praised his honest take, others zeroed in on Wizkid’s omission, viewing it as a deliberate snub.
Wizkid, a Grammy award winner and one of Nigeria’s most internationally recognized music exports, was expected by many to make the list, especially given his long-standing influence on the global Afrobeats wave.
The backlash intensified as fans flooded the comment sections of podcast clips and reposts, accusing both D’banj and the podcast host, Adesope Olajide, of showing bias or stirring controversy for clout.
Some social media users questioned whether there might be an underlying reason for the omission, while others argued that personal music taste should not be misconstrued as rivalry or disrespect.
Despite the controversy, D’banj’s praise for Rema’s raw energy, Davido’s relentless drive, and Burna Boy’s intentional artistry offered valuable insight into what impresses a veteran like him in the current Afrobeats landscape.
Whether or not Wizkid’s omission was deliberate or simply a reflection of personal preference, one thing is certain, D’banj has once again proven his ability to spark conversations and stay relevant in Nigeria’s ever-evolving music scene.
