Prominent talent manager Paulo Okoye has made a passionate appeal for unity among Nigeria’s three biggest music stars – Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy – as the year draws to a close. Through a heartfelt Instagram message, Okoye emphasized the artists’ shared success and potential for positive influence in the music industry.
The appeal comes during a period of perceived tension among these leading figures in African music, with Okoye highlighting their collective achievements and individual wealth as reasons to move past their differences. His message stressed the ephemeral nature of life and the importance of remembering their humble beginnings despite their current success.
This latest call for peace follows Okoye’s previous interventions in industry conflicts, notably during the public disagreement between Davido and Wizkid in April. At that time, he expressed disappointment in their public dispute, describing their behavior as beneath their stature as industry leaders.
Okoye’s peace initiative arrives at a crucial moment for Afrobeats, as he recently raised concerns about challenges facing the genre. He has pointed to issues such as high ticket prices affecting concert attendance and noted that only select artists, particularly Davido and Burna Boy, have maintained successful touring schedules this year.
The talent manager’s observations about the state of Afrobeats carry particular weight given his recent analysis of the industry’s trajectory. He has noted a general decline in artist performance compared to three years ago, with only a small number of acts maintaining their previous levels of financial success.
This push for reconciliation reflects broader concerns about the sustainability and growth of African music on the global stage. Okoye’s message suggests that unity among these influential artists could strengthen the genre’s position internationally and create more opportunities for emerging talent.
The timing of this appeal is significant, coming as the industry prepares for 2025 and reflects on the challenges and achievements of the past year. Okoye’s emphasis on their billionaire status and global influence serves as a reminder of their responsibility as cultural ambassadors.
The reference to their humble beginnings appears designed to remind these artists of their shared journey and common experiences in the industry. By highlighting their similar paths to success, Okoye suggests that their differences are less significant than their collective potential for positive impact.
His message also addresses the broader impact these artists have had on African culture and global music, noting how their success has inspired others and helped establish Afrobeats as a major force in international music. The appeal for unity suggests that collaboration rather than competition could further strengthen this influence.
As the industry faces various challenges, from changing consumer behavior to evolving market dynamics, Okoye’s call for unity among these key figures suggests a strategic approach to maintaining Afrobeats’ momentum and ensuring its continued growth on the global stage.
