Ubi Franklin Says Rivalry May Block Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy Collaboration

|By Oko-Echem Agnes

Music executive Ubi Franklin has cast doubt on the possibility of a joint project between Nigeria’s Afrobeats powerhouses—Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy.

Speaking on the Afropolitan podcast, Franklin argued that the trio’s dominance as the genre’s “Big 3” places them in direct competition rather than collaboration.

He compared their rivalry to the stiff competition among Nigeria’s leading banks, stressing that every industry has its major players whose rivalry fuels growth but limits partnerships.

“It would be difficult for Wizkid, Davido and Burna Boy to come together,” Franklin said. “I will speak for Davido—I have never heard him say anything negative about Wizkid or Burna Boy. And I’m sure it’s the same for them. But the environment they are in makes it hard to work together.”

Franklin, who manages Davido, emphasized that the tension among the stars has not crossed into personal grudges, insisting that the rivalry remains within the boundaries of entertainment.