Who Is the King of Afrobeat in Nigeria?
Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido, or a New Crowned Legend?
In the heart of Africa's most vibrant music industry, one question continues to spark heated debates across Twitter Spaces, Instagram comments, and WhatsApp groups: Who is the true king of Afrobeat in Nigeria?
Is it Wizkid, the Starboy with an international presence?
Is it Burna Boy, the Grammy-winning Afro-fusion giant?
Or Davido, the hit-making, show-stopping 30BG boss?
Maybe it’s a new wave of artists rising from the trenches with viral TikTok tracks and streaming numbers that defy belief. Let’s dive into what makes a king — and see who truly wears the crown in 2025.
What Does It Mean to Be the King of Afrobeat?
Before we crown anyone, we need to define what makes a true king in the Afrobeat realm. It's more than just hit songs. A king:
- Dominates charts and airwaves consistently
- Sets cultural trends beyond music
- Performs on global stages with ease
- Inspires the next generation of artists
- Has a massive, loyal fanbase (and haters too — that’s part of greatness)
Let’s break down the top contenders based on these criteria 👇
Wizkid – The Starboy of Legacy
No conversation about Afrobeat royalty is complete without Wizkid. From the Ojuelegba days to global collaborations with Drake, Beyoncé, and Justin Bieber, Wizkid has long been Nigeria’s most globally recognized sound export.
Why Wizkid Could Be the King:
🔥 First Nigerian artist to top the Billboard Hot 100
🔥 His album Made in Lagos broke streaming records
🔥 Hit song Essence became the first Afrobeats song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 without a feature
🔥 Sold out the O2 Arena three times
🔥 Quietly influential in shaping the smooth, minimalist Afrobeats sound of today
Wizkid isn’t loud — but his impact is thunderous.
Burna Boy – The African Giant
Burna Boy is often called the “voice of the people.” His Afrofusion style blends Afrobeat, reggae, dancehall, and hip hop with politically conscious lyrics and hard-hitting emotion.
Why Burna Boy Deserves the Crown:
🔥 Grammy Award Winner (Best Global Album for Twice As Tall)
🔥 Consistently drops critically acclaimed albums
🔥 Bold stage presence — headlining Coachella, Madison Square Garden, and more
🔥 Known for his fearless activism and unapologetic African identity
🔥 Tracks like Ye, Last Last, and Gbona became cultural anthems
Burna doesn’t just make hits — he represents a movement.
Davido – The People’s King
If we’re talking numbers, energy, and relatability, it’s hard to look past Davido. Since bursting onto the scene with Dami Duro, he’s released countless bangers that Nigerians and Africans around the world vibe to every day.
Davido’s Royal Resume:
- Over 2 billion streams across platforms
- Known for consistent hit-after-hit releases
- Collaborated with artists like Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj, and Summer Walker
- Built a solid reputation as a kingmaker, helping bring artists like Mayorkun and Peruzzi to the limelight
- Loyal fanbase: 30BG is a full-blown movement
Davido is loud, proud, and built for the spotlight.
The New School Contenders
While the big three continue to dominate, a new generation of Afrobeat stars is challenging the crown. Think of it as a new royal bloodline waiting for coronation.
Top New Wave Artists:
🔥 Rema: His blend of trap, Afrobeats, and global pop has turned him into a Gen Z superstar
🔥 Asake: Street king turned global artist with smash hits like Lonely at the Top
🔥 Tems: Grammy winner, vocal queen, and global chart-topper
🔥 Omah Lay: Emotionally charged lyrics and soul-infused sound
🔥 Fireboy DML: R&B vibes with Afrobeats delivery
These artists are building massive fanbases, breaking streaming records, and dominating social media. In a few years, one of them might be wearing the crown.
Honorable Mentions: Underground Kings Rising
Let’s not forget the underground artists building empires quietly — artists like DjMondo, whose 2025 single “Mirror Mirror” is quickly catching attention for its emotional depth and polished Afrobeats fusion.
Why DjMondo Is One to Watch:
🔥 Mirror Mirror is already trending across Audiomack and YouTube
🔥 Combines authentic storytelling with clean production
🔥 Represents the next generation of Nigerian music hustlers
🔥 Uses social media smartly to build a loyal, growing fanbase
Sometimes the real kings start in the trenches — until the world takes notice.
The Verdict: So, Who Really Is the King of Afrobeat?
The answer depends on how you define the throne:
🔥 Global Influence? Wizkid owns it.
🔥 Cultural Power & Critical Acclaim? Burna Boy stands tall.
🔥 Hit-making Consistency & Fan Love? Davido delivers.
🔥 Streaming & Youth Culture? Rema and Asake are rising fast.
🔥 Authenticity & Hustle? Artists like DjMondo are proving that the future is open.
✅ Bottom Line:
There’s no single king — Afrobeats is a royal family, and each star brings something unique to the table. But if we must choose a current king based on influence, legacy, and global reach, Wizkid arguably still holds the crown in 2025.
💬 Join the Royal Debate
Who do YOU think is the real king of Afrobeat?
Is it one of the big three — or a new wave artist waiting to claim the throne?
👇 Drop your thoughts in the comment section. Let the battle begin!
📌 Related Posts
🔥 Top 10 Afrobeats Songs You Must Hear in 2025
🎧 How to Get Noticed as an Upcoming Artist in Nigeria
🎤 DjMondo’s “Mirror Mirror” – A Rising Voice in Afrobeats
Final Note: The Crown is Evolving
Afrobeats is no longer just Nigeria’s treasure — it’s Africa’s heartbeat and a global phenomenon. While the question of who wears the crown may change with time, one thing is certain:
The future of Afrobeat is bright, bold, and boundless. 👑
Stay tuned, keep listening, and support the kings, queens, and rising stars of Nigerian music.
