In January 2026, the intersection of statements from Olamide and Wizkid has indeed fueled one of the most intense social media "wars" in Afrobeats history.
1. Olamide’s "Greatest After Fela" Declaration (Nov 2025)
In November 2025, during a visit to York University in Toronto, Olamide declared, "After Fela, Wizkid is the greatest Afrobeats artist ever".
The Spite Allegation: Fans of Davido (30BG) immediately viewed this as a betrayal. They argued that Olamide—who has directly benefited from Davido's financial and promotional investment—should not have ranked Wizkid above Davido.
Olamide's Clarification: Following the backlash, Olamide clarified on X (formerly Twitter) that his statement was a "personal opinion" and was not meant to undermine Davido or Burna Boy. He emphasized that there is "plenty of room in the sky" for everyone.
2. Wizkid’s "Bigger Than Fela" Boast (Jan 2026)
The situation escalated significantly on January 20, 2026, when Wizkid responded to criticism from Fela’s son, Seun Kuti.
The Statement: In a series of blunt social media posts, Wizkid fired back at Seun Kuti, stating he is "bigger than Fela" and dismissing Fela's era as "old glory".
Context of the Feud: The clash was triggered by Seun Kuti arguing that modern commercial success (streaming and awards) should not be used to diminish Fela's legacy of activism and cultural resistance.
3. Analysis of "Betrayal" and Spillover Effects
The narrative of betrayal you mentioned is a central theme in the 2026 industry discourse:
Media Spillover: Many observers believe Olamide’s 2025 ranking emboldened Wizkid to make his January 2026 "bigger than Fela" claim, as it validated the idea of Wizkid being the undisputed peak of the genre.
The Davido Factor: Critics argue that by choosing Wizkid over Davido, Olamide ignored the long-standing camaraderie and documented support Davido has provided him, such as funding the "The Money" video and various career interventions.
Public Outrage: As of January 23, 2026, Wizkid's comments have led to calls for a public apology, with figures like verydarkman (VDM) and government aides criticizing him for "erasing history" and disrespecting a national icon.
While Olamide maintains his stance was just an opinion, the timing and weight of his words have undoubtedly reshaped the competitive landscape among the "Big Three" heading into 2026.
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