Ubi Franklin is a Nigerian music executive
Nigerian music executive Ubi Franklin has cast doubt on the likelihood of Afrobeats fans ever witnessing a collaboration between the genre’s so-called “Big 3”; Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy.
Speaking on the Afropolitan Podcast, Ubi Franklin said while the three artistes may not have personal issues with one another, the dynamics of the industry around them make such a collaboration highly unlikely.
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“The fame and competitive nature of the music industry make it very difficult for such a collaboration to happen,” he explained.
Franklin went further to describe how success in the Afrobeats scene goes beyond just music.
According to him, to even challenge the dominance of Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy, an artiste would need to earn at least $15 to $20 million annually while also maintaining an image and presence outside of music.
“Artistes always believe that they should be hot forever, it’s not possible. For you to break that big 3 conversation, you cannot do it just with music. First, you need to be someone grossing at least $15 to 20 million every year. Breaking the top 3 conversation is not just about music, it’s a lot of things. The lifestyle, the cars, how you speak, your knowledge about things and your relationships,” he stated.
He also mentioned that Davido, whom he knows personally, has never spoken negatively about Wizkid or Burna Boy, and he believes the same holds for them.
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The Nigerian music executive argued that the competitive environment they operate in will always stand in the way of collaboration.
“I’ve always said this. It would be difficult for Wizkid, Davido and Burna Boy to come together. I will speak for Davido, I have never heard him for once say something ill about Wizkid or Burna Boy. And I’m sure it’s the same for them. But you see that environment where they play will make it difficult for them to work together. It’s like the banks in Nigeria. In every industry, there is that big 3,” he added.
I have never actually heard Davido for once say something bad about Wizkid or Burna Boy — Music Exec, Ubi Franklin
— Instablog9ja (@instablog9ja) September 19, 2025
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