Olayiwola Matthew
Ubi Franklin, the Nigerian artiste manager, has said that it will be difficult for Afrobeats’ ‘Big 3’ to work together.
The term ‘Big 3’ is commonly used to refer to the trio of Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy, who are celebrated as Nigeria’s most dominant global musical exports.
Speaking in the recent episode of the Afropolitan podcast, Franklin argued that the dynamics of fame and competition within the music industry make such collaboration unlikely.
The music executive added that while the artistes themselves may not harbour ill will towards each other, the “environment” around them fuels rivalry.
“Artistes always believe that they should be hot forever, it’s not possible. For you to break that big 3 conversation, you cannot do it just with music,” he said.
“First, you need to be someone grossing at least $15 to 20 million every year. Breaking the top 3 conversation is not just about music, it’s a lot of things. The lifestyle, the cars, how you speak, your knowledge about things and your relationships.
“I’ve always said this. It would be difficult for Wizkid, Davido and Burna Boy to come together. I will speak for Davido, I have never heard him for once say something ill about Wizkid or Burna Boy.
“And I’m sure it’s the same for them. But you see that environment where they play will make it difficult for them to work together.
“It’s like the banks in Nigeria. In every industry, there is that big 3.”