Nigerian rap icon and YBNL record label boss, Olamide Adedeji, has ignited widespread discussion across the music industry after publicly naming Wizkid as the greatest Afrobeats artist of all time, placing him directly behind legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti.
The statement was made during an interactive session at York University in Toronto, Canada, where the rapper addressed students ahead of his highly anticipated performance on November 14.
While responding to questions about his musical synergy and numerous collaborations with Wizkid, Olamide declared: “I’ve had the privilege of working with Wizkid. We’ve made so many songs together. You know say after Fela, Wizkid is the greatest Afrobeats artist ever.”
The bold proclamation immediately drew thunderous cheers from students present and has since sparked heated debates across social media platforms, with fans of various Afrobeats superstars weighing in on the controversial ranking.
Olamide referenced the duo’s longstanding musical partnership dating back to 2011, highlighting collaborative hits such as “Street OT” and “Kana.” Their creative chemistry has also produced recent chart-topping tracks, including “Omo Toh Shan,” “Totori,” and their 2025 release “Kai.”
The rapper emphasized that Wizkid has consistently elevated Afrobeats on the global stage, attributing the singer’s worldwide influence as justification for his position as the genre’s leading contemporary figure.
Olamide’s declaration carries significant weight within the Nigerian music industry. As founder of YBNL Nation and a pioneering figure in street music, the rapper has played an instrumental role in shaping the sound and success of modern Nigerian music over the past decade.
The statement has also reignited conversations about the distinction between Afrobeat (without the ‘s’), the politically charged genre pioneered by Fela Kuti characterized by heavy percussion, extended instrumental sessions, and revolutionary messaging, and Afrobeats, the contemporary fusion genre blending elements of Afrobeat with hip-hop, R&B, dancehall, and electronic music.
This is not the first time Olamide has expressed admiration for Wizkid. He previously described the Starboy Entertainment boss as a “solid dude” who consistently shows him “endless love and support.”
During the same session, Olamide also spoke about his relationships with Nigeria’s Afrobeats Big 3 (Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy), stating: “They are all my friends. They just like making troubles. Wiz, David, Burna. They are cool dudes. Many people will not just align with no many things.”
The viral video has divided opinions online, with some praising Olamide’s honesty while others contest his assessment, pointing to the achievements and global recognition of other Nigerian artists.
As the debate continues to dominate conversations across music forums and social media, one thing remains certain: Nigerian music continues its unprecedented global ascendancy, with its leading stars commanding attention and respect on the world stage.