In the ever-evolving world of Afrobeats, two names have continually dominated the scene—Wizkid and Davido. These musical giants have not only put Nigerian music on the global map but have also been at the center of many conversations, from hit singles to industry accolades. Yet, their relationship has been far from smooth, and recent events have once again stirred the pot, reigniting one of the fiercest rivalries in Nigerian music.
Davido recently signed a multi-million-dollar endorsement deal with Puma, but what has made headlines is the revelation that the deal was initially offered to Wizkid. While both artists are no strangers to the world of luxury brand endorsements, this particular deal has led to intense debate about the power dynamics in Afrobeats and has cast a new light on the relationship between these two superstars.
Wizkid’s Response: “Money Means Nothing to Me”
As news broke that Davido had signed the Puma deal, fans and industry insiders were left wondering why Wizkid, one of Nigeria’s biggest exports, turned down such a lucrative offer. Tech entrepreneur Nelson Elpega weighed in, suggesting that Puma chose Davido because he was more popular at the moment. According to him, Wizkid had not released a major hit in the last four years, and emerging artists like Ayra Starr, Tems, and Rema had surpassed him in relevance.
In response, Wizkid took to social media, stating, “Money means nothing to me. I’m a well-grounded man in family and love!” This comment seemed to hint that his decision to pass on the deal wasn’t driven by financial motives. However, it also led to more questions about the real reason behind his refusal.
Nelson Elpega’s Bold Claim: “Davido is More Relevant”
Elpega wasn’t finished. He continued the online conversation by claiming that Wizkid had been overshadowed by newer stars and that Puma ultimately went with Davido because of his current relevance in the global market. “You’re a junior to Ayra Starr, Tems, and Rema. You haven’t had a hit in 4 years, yet you’re tweeting at Davido, who’s in the US unveiling his Puma collection!” he tweeted.
This statement opened the floodgates to debates about the shifting landscape of Afrobeats, with some agreeing that the new generation of artists had started to redefine the sound and appeal of the genre, while others defended Wizkid’s legacy and enduring influence.
Wizkid Sets the Record Straight: “Puma Couldn’t Afford Me”
Wizkid did not let these claims go unchallenged. He responded by clarifying that his decision had nothing to do with his popularity or lack of recent hits. “I turned down Puma because they could no longer afford to pay me what I wanted! I’m way bigger than the artists you mentioned! Not jealous, love them all…” Wizkid tweeted, maintaining that he is still at the top of his game and that the deal simply didn’t meet his expectations.
He further explained that while Puma is a respected brand, their budget for the African market wasn’t sufficient for an artist of his stature. “Puma is a big brand, but their budget for Africa wasn’t for me! It was cool for your client though!” he concluded, making it clear that he felt the deal was better suited for Davido.
The Battle of Relevance: Who Is on Top?
This public exchange between Wizkid and Elpega has reignited a long-standing debate: who is more relevant, Davido or Wizkid? Both artists have carved out monumental careers, but their paths have diverged in recent years. Wizkid has focused more on international collaborations and maintaining his status as a global icon, while Davido has consistently churned out chart-topping hits and remained a dominant force in Nigeria and beyond.
For Wizkid, relevance isn’t solely measured by recent hits but by long-term legacy and influence. His collaborations with artists like Drake and Beyoncé, as well as his Grammy win with Burna Boy, have kept him in the international spotlight. On the other hand, Davido’s ability to stay connected with his fans through back-to-back releases and strategic partnerships, like his recent Puma deal, underscores his dominance in the Afrobeats scene.
What’s Next for Wizkid and Davido?
As Davido prepares to showcase his Puma collection to the world and Wizkid hints at new projects in the pipeline, the rivalry between these two megastars shows no sign of slowing down. Whether it’s in terms of endorsements, music, or global appeal, they continue to be compared, sparking debates within the industry and among their fans.
While some may see this as a petty back-and-forth between two of Nigeria’s biggest stars, others view it as a reflection of the competitive nature of the industry. For now, Wizkid and Davido remain focused on their individual careers, but this latest incident has undoubtedly added another layer to their ongoing rivalry.
One thing is certain—whether they are friends or rivals, the influence of Wizkid and Davido on Afrobeats and global music is undeniable. Their impact transcends mere endorsement deals, and both continue to set trends that shape the future of the genre. The question of who is on top may never be fully answered, but as long as they keep creating and pushing boundaries, fans will have plenty to talk about.
