Why Afrobeats’ Biggest Stars Might Never Join Forces Ubi Franklin

If you’re even a casual fan of Afrobeats, you’ve probably had the thought: What if Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy got together on one track? It’s the kind of dream collaboration that would break the internet, shatter streaming records, and pretty much be the song of the decade. But according to music executive Ubi Franklin, don’t hold your breath.

In a recent, pretty insightful episode of the *Afropolitan* podcast, Franklin shared his take on why it’s so unlikely we’ll ever get an official team-up from the genre’s “Big 3.” And his reasoning doesn’t really come down to personal beef—it’s more about the unspoken rules of the industry itself.

Franklin made an interesting comparison, pointing to the rivalry between top Nigerian banks. In any competitive field, he explained, there’s usually a “big three.” They’re all fighting for the top spot, for market share, for bragging rights. That competition is what drives the industry forward, but it also makes collaboration tricky. Why would you join forces with your biggest rival when you’re both trying to be number one?

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What’s fascinating, though, is that Franklin suggests the rivalry isn’t personal. Speaking from his close association with Davido, he mentioned he’s never once heard the artist say anything negative about Wizkid or Burna Boy in private. He believes the respect is likely mutual. The tension isn’t fueled by genuine animosity, but by the sheer pressure of their positions. They’re icons, and with that comes a certain gravitational pull that keeps them in their own orbits.

It’s a delicate balance. Their competition pushes each of them to create better music, to innovate, and to stay on top of their game. But that same environment, that constant push to be the best, also builds invisible walls between them. A collaboration would require a temporary truce in a cold war that’s actually good for business.

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So, while fans might dream of a historic link-up, the reality is that the Afrobeats universe might be better served by keeping its kings on their separate thrones. Sometimes, a little rivalry is what keeps the music alive.