The longstanding rivalry between Nigerian Afrobeat icons Burna Boy and Davido has resurfaced, causing a buzz in the entertainment industry. In a recent interview, Davido claimed to have achieved fame before Burna Boy, referring to him as a “new cat” in the Nigerian music scene. This statement ignited a heated debate among fans, with some arguing that Burna Boy has been a prominent figure since his debut album in 2013, while others believe Davido’s 2012 album was a bigger success.
According to Phil Roberts, the President of the Rock Music Federation, all Nigerian music artists have contributed to the growth of Afrobeats, not just Davido. He emphasized that the battle for supremacy is driven by the desire to stay on top of one’s career and maintain success in the industry. Roberts sees the competition as part of the entertainment and publicity surrounding their music.
Simeon Sunday, a popular Abuja media personality, supports Davido’s claim that Burna Boy is a newcomer compared to him. Sunday argues that Burna Boy only gained mainstream recognition a year after Davido’s emergence and didn’t make a significant impact until 2019. He suggests that while Burna Boy may currently overshadow Davido with his global stadium tours, it’s not entirely inaccurate to consider him a “new cat” compared to Davido and other established artists.
In summary, the ongoing rivalry between Davido and Burna Boy is viewed differently by fans and industry insiders. While both artists have played significant roles in popularizing Afrobeats globally, the debate surrounding their supremacy is seen as a means of entertainment and maintaining relevance in the industry.