Nigerian music veteran Oladapo Oyebanjo, popularly known as D’Banj, has named Rema, Davido, and Burna Boy as his current top three Nigerian artists, a list that notably excludes global Afrobeats icon Wizkid.
Speaking during an interview on the Adesope Live podcast, D’Banj offered high praise for each artist on his list. He cited Rema’s energy, Davido’s consistency and humility, and Burna Boy’s intentional artistry and exceptional live performances as key reasons for their inclusion.
“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,” said D’Banj.
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D’Banj is widely regarded as one of the key figures in the rise of Afrobeats during the 2000s. Emerging as a founding member of Mo’Hits Records alongside producer Don Jazzy, D’Banj helped push Nigerian pop music into mainstream consciousness both locally and abroad. His 2012 hit Oliver Twist became a global success, topping charts in the UK and earning him a deal with Kanye West’s G.O.O.D Music imprint.
The statement made by D Banj has attracted discussion across Nigerian entertainment platforms and social media, due to the omission of Wizkid, one of the most commercially successful African artists globally. The singer, born Ayodeji Balogun, boasts multiple international awards, including a Grammy for his work on Beyoncé’s Brown Skin Girl, and has headlined sold-out shows at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and New York’s Madison Square Garden.
Fans and commentators were split on the omission. Some interpreted D’Banj’s remarks as a personal preference based on recent influence and performance , rather than a dismissal of Wizkid’s legacy or cultural impact. Others viewed it as a controversial move, considering Wizkid’s foundational role in bringing Afrobeats to a global audience alongside Burna Boy and Davido — the trio often dubbed the genre’s “Big 3.”
The timing of D’Banj’s endorsement of Rema also follows a recent moment of public praise. During his O2 Arena concert in early June, Rema credited D’Banj as one of the early pioneers who helped globalize Afrobeats, particularly in the UK.
“You were one of the first to bring Afrobeats to the UK. You and Don Jazzy held it down… If you never existed, I would have never existed,” Rema said on stage.
D’Banj, a central figure in Afrobeats’ early global expansion through his Mo’Hits era collaborations with Don Jazzy, played a key role in popularizing the genre in the UK during the 2000s. His recognition of newer talents like Rema suggests an ongoing interest in generational progress and the evolving landscape of Nigerian music.
The comments come amid a broader discussion within the Afrobeats community about legacy, impact, and relevance. While Davido and Burna Boy have maintained steady international momentum with high-profile tours and album releases, Rema has emerged as a breakout Gen Z star, with viral singles like Calm Down and collaborations with global artists including Selena Gomez.
Wizkid, though absent from D’Banj’s current ranking, remains a dominant force in Afrobeats. His minimalist style, chart-topping records, and global partnerships continue to attract a massive fan base across Africa, Europe, and North America.
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