On Nigerian Twitter, few questions start more arguments than this: Wizkid or Davido?
Both emerged as stars in the early 2010s. Wizkid, born Ayodeji Balogun in Lagos in 1990, broke through with “Holla at Your Boy” in 2010 and his debut album Superstar in 2011. Davido, born David Adeleke in Atlanta in 1992 and raised in Lagos, broke through with “Dami Duro” in 2011 and his debut album Omo Baba Olowo in 2012. From the start, fans compared them.
Stream Pop Hits
Different paths
Wizkid grew up in the working-class Lagos neighbourhood of Surulere, and his story is one of rising from humble beginnings. Davido comes from a wealthy family. The contrast fed fan narratives.
Stream Pop Hits
Wizkid won international attention through his collaboration with Drake on “One Dance” in 2016 and his work with Beyoncé on “Brown Skin Girl”, which won a Grammy in 2021. His 2020 album Made in Lagos, with “Essence” featuring Tems, became a global success.
Stream Pop Hits
Davido built a huge following in Africa and the diaspora with hits such as “If”, “Fall” and “Unavailable”. His album Timeless in 2023 earned Grammy nominations.
Fan wars
The rivalry has been driven largely by fans, known as Wizkid FC and 30BG. Online arguments about streams, awards, sold-out shows and records are constant. At times the tension has turned personal, with public jabs between the camps.
Collaboration and peace
The two artists have also shown friendship. They performed together at Wizkid’s concert at the O2 Arena in London in 2021, a moment celebrated by fans. They have exchanged praise at times, though tensions have also resurfaced.
Burna Boy
Burna Boy‘s rise added a third name to the debate, with fans arguing about who among the “Big Three” is the greatest.
Stadiums
Both have headlined huge venues abroad. Wizkid played three nights at the O2 Arena in London in 2021, and Davido has sold out large arenas in the United States and Europe. Fans compare ticket sales as closely as they compare streams.
Stream Pop Hits
Why it matters
The rivalry has kept Nigerian music in the headlines and pushed artists to compete for bigger achievements, from sold-out stadiums to Grammy recognition.
The answer?
There is no answer that will satisfy both sides. Each has had career-defining moments.
Wizkid or Davido? The argument is older than some of the fans having it, and it will probably outlast both careers.
