When 2Baba declared Burna Boy his “number one” artist during a recent interview on Urban Radio in Enugu, describing him as “the senior” among current Nigerian stars, social media erupted with the familiar “Big 3” debate. Twitter timelines flooded with responses, and the usual arguments about streaming numbers, international appeal, and fan loyalty resumed again as expected.
However, for those who have closely followed both artists’ careers, the endorsement shouldn’t come as a surprise. In fact, it makes perfect sense. Beyond the headlines and Twitter storms is a deeper story about artistic kinship, shared values, and the kind of music that transcends commercial success to achieve cultural significance.
The most compelling reason why 2Baba’s choice feels inevitable lies in both artists’ commitment to conscious music. Throughout his career, 2Baba never treated his platform as merely entertainment. From “African Queen,” celebrating African beauty, to tracks like “Holy Holy,” critiquing religious hypocrisy, and “E Be Like Say,” recognising how hard it is to trust a government that never seems to fail to disappoint, he established a template for using Afrobeats as a vehicle for meaningful commentary.
Burna Boy has, in a way, inherited and expanded this approach with remarkable consistency. His discography strikes a balance between commercial appeal and social consciousness. Albums like “African Giant” and “Twice As Tall” not only entertain but also educate, provoke thought, and challenge listeners to consider broader African experiences. Where other artists might prioritise pure commercial appeal, both Burna Boy and 2Baba have built careers on music that speaks to the soul while moving the body.
This conscious approach extends beyond individual songs to entire artistic personas. Both artists have used their platforms to address Pan-African themes, speak truth to power, and maintain a connection to their roots even as they achieve global success. When 2Baba looks at Burna Boy, he likely sees an artist who understands that with great platform comes great responsibility.
Another crucial similarity that undoubtedly influenced 2Baba’s assessment is their shared excellence as live performers. Anyone who witnessed 2Baba during his prime—or even now—knows he commands stages with rare charisma and energy. His ability to connect with audiences, whether in intimate Lagos venues or massive international arenas, set him apart from many contemporaries and helped establish the template for Afrobeats showmanship.
Burna Boy has proven himself cut from the same cloth. His performances at Coachella, Madison Square Garden, and various African festivals demonstrate the same magnetic stage presence that defined 2Baba’s career.
What makes Tuface’s declaration even more significant is the mutual respect that has long existed between the two artists. In a live Instagram video last year, Burna Boy acknowledged Timaya, D’banj, and notably 2Baba as his “OGs”, which means his mentors in the game. This public recognition of Tuface as a guiding influence makes the veteran’s recent endorsement feel like a full-circle moment, akin to a mentor acknowledging their protégé’s growth.
Predictably, Tuface’s declaration has sparked intense debate across social media platforms, with Twitter becoming the primary battleground for these responses and comments. The reactions reveal just how deeply the “Big 3” debate resonates with Nigerian music fans.
Some users approached the controversy with a measured perspective. One netizen said: “These takes will always be controversial.. The earlier you understand it just a personal opinion & choices are different, the better for your mental health. PS: Studio or Podcasts mic has what it does to the speaker or interviewee.”
However, others were more definitive in their stance. A particularly telling response came from what appeared to be a Wizkid fan: “Yes he is….It’s not an argument,I think the only thing wizkid has over him right now is just aura and the way he carries himself but any other thing, Burna boy is no 1 in Nigeria….before you abuse me, Wizkid is my favorite Nigerian artist not Kizz Daniel or OdumoduBlvck.”
This response is fascinating because it comes from someone who openly declares Wizkid as their favourite artist, yet still acknowledges Burna Boy’s supremacy in most categories. However, knowing how Twitter Ng and stans on there operate, it could be a Burna Boy fan masquerading as a Wizkid fan to make a point. The Twitter discourse also revealed the different criteria fans use to measure success. While some pointed to streaming numbers and international collaborations, others emphasised artistic growth, cultural impact, and industry respect. The diversity of opinions shows just how complex the conversation about the Big 3 has become.
The supposed surprise of 2Baba’s choice dissolves when viewed through the lens of artistic kinship. Both artists share fundamental approaches to music-making that prioritise substance over style, consciousness over convenience, and cultural authenticity over commercial calculation.
