Tension as D’Banj Names Top Three Artistes, Omits Wizkid

Nigerian music legend D’Banj has stirred controversy after listing his top three favourite current artistes — notably leaving out Afrobeats superstar Wizkid.

During an interview on the Adesope Live podcast hosted by UK-based broadcaster Adesope Olajide, D’Banj praised Rema, Davido, and Burna Boy for their talent, work ethic, and impact on the music scene.

“Shout out to Rema. I like his energy… Then there is Davido. People should learn from the way he carries himself, like he doesn’t have a penny, yet he’s so consistent. Burna Boy is too intentional — his live shows are amazing,” D’Banj said.

However, the exclusion of Wizkid — a Grammy Award-winning artist and one of Nigeria’s most internationally acclaimed musicians — sparked debate and backlash on social media. Many fans saw the omission as deliberate and questioned the objectivity of both D’Banj and the podcast host.

Social Media Reactions:

• @pike_222: “That’s for you guys. Big Wizzy for life.”
• @sirleocarter: “Adesope? You and Big Wiz get crash? Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but Wiz is the king of replay value.”
• @jimohcav: “You expect him to like Wizkid? Wizkid overthrew him and his likes. He knows he can’t get the same respect as 2Baba from Wiz.”
• @lekzymilli: “So you no include Wiz? Oya na, we dey wait you 😂😂”
• @bsuleiman45: “His opinion, let’s not create hate. I haven’t played D’Banj in 15 years — doesn’t mean I hate him. But Adesope no like Wiz, that one clear 😂”

While some fans urged calm, others accused the host of holding a long-standing grudge against Wizkid.

🎥 Watch the full interview clip here