Nigerian singer Omah Lay has stirred fresh conversation in the music industry after claiming that Afrobeats is largely divided between loyalists of Davido and Wizkid.

Speaking in a recent interview with American outlet The Fader, the “Soso” crooner described the industry as fragmented, with artists and fans often aligning themselves with one camp or the other.

“The whole Nigerian Afrobeats scene is very separated. It’s like if you’re with Davido, you’re on one side; if you’re with Wizkid, you’re on the other,” he said.

Omah Lay also revealed that at one point in 2024, he unfollowed the so-called Afrobeats “Big 3”—Davido, Wizkid, and Burna Boy—because he was uncomfortable with the direction they were taking the industry.

Despite his criticism, the singer spoke positively about Davido, noting that their collaboration came naturally and helped him appreciate the artist’s personality.

“I fell in love with Davido’s personality,” he said, adding that the singer’s drive and resilience set him apart.

He further suggested that Davido’s wealthy background may contribute to the criticism he receives, insisting that the DMW boss has nothing to prove to anyone.

Opinion: Competition or Division—What Does Afrobeats Really Need?

Omah Lay’s comments touch on a sensitive but important reality in Afrobeats—rivalry.

On one hand, competition can be healthy. The presence of strong personalities like Davido, Wizkid, and Burna Boy has helped push the genre to global heights. Their different styles and fan bases create energy, debate, and visibility.

But when competition turns into division, it can limit growth.

If artists feel pressured to “pick sides,” collaboration suffers. And in an industry where collaboration has been a key driver of global success, that’s a risk worth paying attention to.

Omah Lay’s decision to distance himself from the “Big 3” at a point suggests a desire for independence—a need to carve out his own identity without being tied to existing narratives.

Interestingly, his positive remarks about Davido show that personal relationships can exist beyond public perceptions of rivalry. That’s a reminder that what fans see online doesn’t always reflect reality behind the scenes.

Ultimately, Afrobeats is bigger than any individual or group. Its global rise has been built on diversity, creativity, and collaboration.

If the industry leans too much into division, it risks slowing that momentum. But if artists continue to connect across perceived lines, Afrobeats can grow even stronger.

Because in the end, unity—not rivalry—is what sustains a movement.