Afrobeats superstar Wizkid has reignited his long-standing feud with fellow artist Davido. The controversy erupted on October 1, 2024, Nigeria’s Independence Day, following Davido’s announcement of his first single for the year. This latest clash has once again divided fans and ignited fierce debates across social media platforms.
As the sun rose over Lagos on Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day, Davido, also known as O.B.O (Omo Baba Olowo), took to Twitter to share exciting news with his 11 million followers. “First single of the year loading. Happy Independence Day 🇳🇬,” the “Fall” hitmaker wrote, setting the stage for what promised to be a celebration of both national pride and musical achievement.
However, the festive atmosphere quickly soured when Wizkid, in a series of provocative posts on the X platform (formerly Twitter), launched a scathing attack on Davido’s upcoming release. Pussy boys dropping mids again!” Wizkid wrote, his words dripping with disdain and reigniting a rivalry that has simmered for years.
The situation escalated rapidly when Tycoone, a close associate of Davido, entered the fray. In a clear attempt to provoke Wizkid, Tycoone challenged the “Essence” singer to release his own long-awaited album. “Tell your daddy to drop na,” Tycoone tweeted, referencing Wizkid’s delayed project and further stoking the flames of controversy.
Music industry insider Olumide Bakare offered context to the situation: “These two artists have been at odds for years, but this level of public antagonism is unprecedented. It’s a reflection of the intense competition in the Afrobeats scene and the power of social media to amplify rivalries.
Wizkid’s response to Tycoone’s provocation was swift and merciless. In a series of tweets that lit up social media, the Grammy-winning artist unleashed a barrage of insults directed at Davido.
“I don’t beef wack niggas,” Wizkid declared, before contradicting himself in the same breath. “We all know he’s terrible and has no skill. 80 garbage, we have 80 tracks for whatever album you release. Una don’t tire? Make una go rest.”
These inflammatory comments sent Wizkid’s 11.3 million Twitter followers into a frenzy, with retweets and responses flooding timelines across Nigeria and beyond.
The renewed hostility between two of Afrobeats’ biggest stars has sharply divided fans and industry observers alike. On one side, die-hard supporters of each artist have rallied behind their idol, engaging in heated exchanges across various social media platforms.
Twitter user @WizkidFC_Lagos wrote: “Big Wiz just spoke facts! Davido could never match Wizkid’s talent. Period.” On the other hand, @DavidoWorldwide retorted: “OBO doesn’t need to respond to haters. His music speaks for itself!”
However, many fans have expressed fatigue with the ongoing rivalry. Instagram user @AfrobeatsPeace pleaded: “Can’t these two giants just make music without all this drama? We’re tired of the negativity.”
While some may dismiss this as mere social media drama, industry experts warn that such high-profile conflicts can have real consequences for the Afrobeats genre as a whole.
Music producer Kayode Johnson shared his concerns: “When two of our biggest stars are publicly tearing each other down, it doesn’t just affect them. It can tarnish the image of Afrobeats on the global stage. We should be focusing on collaboration, not confrontation.”
The timing of this clash is particularly significant, coming as it does on Nigeria’s Independence Day. Cultural commentator Dr. Funmi Adewale noted: “There’s a sad irony in seeing this division on a day meant to celebrate unity. It reflects deeper issues within our society and the music industry.”
As the dust settles on this latest exchange, questions arise about the future of both artists and their relationship with each other. Will this feud inspire new music? Could it lead to a collaboration born out of reconciliation?
Industry analyst Chidi Nwoke offered his prediction: “History has shown that musical rivalries can often lead to creative breakthroughs. While the negativity is unfortunate, I wouldn’t be surprised if both Wizkid and Davido channel this energy into producing some of their best work yet.”
For now, fans eagerly await Davido’s promised single, while speculation mounts about when Wizkid’s long-delayed album will finally see the light of day.
The renewed clash between Wizkid and Davido serves as a stark reminder of the intense competition and personal rivalries that often simmer beneath the surface of the music industry. While their feud has undoubtedly captured public attention, it also raises important questions about the nature of artistic rivalry in the age of social media.
As Afrobeats continues its ascent on the global stage, the actions of its biggest stars carry more weight than ever. Whether this latest incident will be remembered as a regrettable spat or a defining moment in the genre’s history remains to be seen.
One thing is certain: as long as Wizkid and Davido continue to dominate the Afrobeats scene, their relationship – whether collaborative or contentious – will continue to shape the narrative of Nigerian music for years to come.