By Fasuyi Tolulope Samuel
Veteran Nigerian music icon, D’banj, has stirred up controversy online after naming his top three current music stars—and noticeably leaving out Wizkid, one of Afrobeats’ biggest global exports.
Appearing on the Adesope Live podcast hosted by media personality Adesope Olajide, D’banj was asked to share which artistes he currently enjoys listening to. Without hesitation, the “Koko Master” showered praise on Rema, Davido, and Burna Boy for their unique strengths and musical dedication.
“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,” D’banj said.
His remarks were met with a mix of admiration and outrage. While many fans agreed with his selection, the exclusion of Wizkid—Grammy-winning superstar and one of the pioneers of the global Afrobeats movement—did not go unnoticed.
The backlash was swift, with some fans accusing both D’banj and Adesope of harboring bias.
D’banj, whose real name is Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo, is one of Nigeria’s most influential music figures and a pivotal figure in the global rise of Afrobeats. Bursting onto the scene in the early 2000s with a charismatic persona and infectious hits like Tongolo, Suddenly, and Oliver Twist, D’banj quickly became a household name across Africa and beyond.
His partnership with producer Don Jazzy under the now-defunct Mo’Hits Records was instrumental in shaping modern Nigerian pop music.
With numerous awards and international recognition under his belt, including a historic deal with Kanye West’s G.O.O.D Music label, D’banj remains a respected voice in the industry. Known for his energetic performances and entrepreneurial flair, he has inspired a generation of artists, many of whom are now global stars.
