Nigerian music legend D’banj has stirred a controversy online after he failed to include Wizkid in his list of top three music artists during a recent interview.
The revelation came during a live chat with UK-based media personality Adesope, where the “Oliver Twist” crooner named Rema, Davido, and Burna Boy as his current favorite artists. The omission of Wizkid, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated global acts, triggered strong reactions from fans, especially loyal supporters of the Starboy, known collectively as Wizkid FC.
Dapo Oyebanjo, popularly known as D’banj, is a pioneering figure in the Nigerian music industry. He rose to fame in the mid-2000s with hits like Tongolo, Suddenly, and Fall in Love, and was instrumental in pushing Afrobeats into the global spotlight. Known as the “Koko Master,” D’banj has remained a respected figure despite stepping away from the limelight in recent years.
In his conversation with Adesope Live, D’banj revealed the three artists he currently listens to the most. He began with Rema, praising the young artist’s vibrancy and fresh energy. “Shout out to Rema. I like his energy,” he said. He then went on to applaud Davido, not just for his music but for his character. “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.” Finally, D’banj heaped praise on Burna Boy for his deliberate and detailed approach to music. “Burna Boy is too intentional, his live shows are amazing,” he concluded.
However, it was the glaring absence of Wizkid from this list that drew the most attention online. Fans of Wizkid, known for their fierce loyalty, quickly took to social media to express their displeasure, accusing D’banj of throwing shade at the Starboy.
One user, @pike_222, wrote: “That’s for you guys. Big Wizzy for life.” Another, @sirleocarter, commented: “Adesope? You and Big Wiz get crash? Everyone is entitled to their opinion but when it comes to replay value, Wiz is the king. You can’t stop a moving train.”
@jimohcav added his voice to the backlash, stating: “How will you expect him to like Wizkid? It is Wizkid that overthrew him and his likes, and he knows that he can never be like 2face that Wizkid sees as a legend in the industry… Wizkid pass all this noise-making musician.”
The debate continues to trend as fans argue over whether the omission was a harmless oversight or a deliberate snub aimed at one of Nigeria’s biggest music exports.