2Baba Declares Burna Boy the Global King, Slams Wizkid–Fela Comparison as ‘Disrespectful and Unfair’ 

Veteran Nigerian music icon Innocent “2Baba” Idibia has stirred major conversations across the African music scene with his bold assessments of today’s biggest artists and a controversial comparison that’s dividing fans. In a recent Mic On podcast interview, 2Baba dismissed ongoing debates pitting contemporary Afrobeats star Wizkid against late Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, calling the whole comparison “ridiculous,” while going on to crown Burna Boy as the leading figure among the current generation of Nigerian music heavyweights on the global stage.

During the interview, 2Baba didn’t mince words about the online discourse surrounding Wizkid and the late Fela Kuti. He described placing the two musicians side by side as not only misplaced but deeply disrespectful to Fela’s towering legacy and unfair to Wizkid’s established career. According to 2Baba, comparing artists from fundamentally different eras and artistic missions ignores the unique contributions each has made to Nigerian music history and oversimplifies their legacies.

2Baba urged fans and commentators to appreciate artists for their own distinct impacts. He emphasised that Fela’s legacy, rooted in powerful socio-political activism and the creation of the Afrobeat genre, stands in a different cultural domain from Wizkid’s Afrobeats success, which reflects the genre’s commercial globalisation. By encouraging listeners to celebrate the diversity of Nigerian music’s evolution, 2Baba positioned both figures as icons in their own right.

But his reflections didn’t stop there. When asked to weigh in on the current hierarchy of Nigerian Afrobeats stars, especially among the so-called “big three” of Wizkid, Davido and Burna Boy, he named Burna Boy as the artist he perceives to be “on top of the game” globally, placing him ahead of both Wizkid and Davido based on his understanding of the music landscape. This, he clarified, was not about their personal wealth or commercial success but their global visibility and influence right now.

2Baba acknowledged that all three artists have produced songs he enjoys and that each brings unique artistic qualities to the table. However, in his view, Burna Boy’s body of work and international recognition, including consistent global touring, collaborations with major international artists, and a distinctive Afro-fusion sound have positioned him at the forefront of Africa’s musical export. This opinion aligns with broader trends where Burna Boy’s achievements, such as record-breaking tours and influential albums, have made him one of the continent’s most visible music ambassadors worldwide.

2Baba’s remarks reflect a larger conversation within Nigerian music about how to measure artistic impact in an era where global streaming platforms, international awards, and cross-continental collaborations shape success. While Fela’s legacy will forever be anchored in cultural and political influence, contemporary artists navigate a music industry defined by digital reach and commercial metrics, making comparisons across generations inherently complex.

In offering his verdict, 2Baba has effectively reignited debates about legacy, influence, and the evolving nature of African music, encouraging fans to broaden their appreciation beyond simplistic comparisons and to consider how artists contribute to a constantly shifting global soundscape.