Olamide’s recent declaration that “after Fela, Wizkid is the greatest Afrobeats artist ever” has sent shockwaves across the Afrobeats community. The remark came during a media Q&A held in Toronto while he reflected on his long-standing creative partnership with Wizkid. He cited their decade-plus collaboration referencing hits like Kana and work from the Street OT era as the basis for his praise.

For Olamide, the statement wasn’t just about fandom; it was a recognition of influence. He emphasized that their relationship is rooted in musical chemistry not strategic alliances. According to him, their creative synergy goes beyond industry leverage, which makes his praise meaningful and sincere.

But social media erupted quickly. Fans splintered into heated debates, reigniting long-standing arguments about who truly belongs on Afrobeats’ throne. On one side were Wizkid supporters celebrating the “well-deserved flowers”; on the other, fans of Burna Boy and Davido challenged Olamide’s hierarchy.

Critics of Olamide’s statement argue that placing Wizkid above other heavyweights oversimplifies Afrobeats’ rich and diverse landscape. Some note that greatness isn’t a single crown, it’s about different artists bringing different strengths: global reach, lyrical depth, cultural voice, and more.

Meanwhile, supporters point to Olamide’s own legacy as proof of his credibility. As a veteran artist who has collaborated with Wizkid numerous times, his praise carries weight. For many, his acknowledgment validates Wizkid’s role in taking Afrobeats to arenas and platforms around the world.

The controversy highlights a bigger conversation: the shifting definition of greatness in Afrobeats. Fela Kuti’s influence is foundational his genre-defining Afrobeat was political, complex, and musically revolutionary. Contemporary Afrobeats, however, is a different beast: global, hybrid, and commercially expansive. Olamide’s statement forces fans to bridge these worlds, asking whether “greatest” means raw legacy, cultural impact, or modern dominance.

There’s also a message of unity amid rivalry. Olamide called for respect across generations, urging fans not to descend into factionalism. He reminded people that the genre’s growth has come through collaboration, not competition.

In the end, whether you agree with Olamide or not, his comment has reignited a crucial debate about legacy, influence, and the future of Afrobeats. It’s a reminder that greatness in music isn’t just about chart numbers, it’s about the stories, relationships, and cultural bridges that artists build.