The Verdict is In: Olamide Declares Wizkid the Greatest Afrobeats Artist of All Time, Second Only to Fela Kuti

Introduction: The GOAT Debate Gets a Ruling

The long-standing debate over the greatest Afrobeats artist of all time (GOAT) has just received a powerful new perspective from one of the genre’s most influential voices. Hip-hop mogul and YBNL Nation boss, Olamide Adedeji (popularly known as Baddo), has weighed in emphatically, ranking fellow superstar Wizkid as the greatest artist in the genre, second only to the legendary pioneer, Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

Olamide’s statement is a strong endorsement that transcends mere opinion; it comes from a contemporary artist who helped build the modern Afrobeats landscape. 

The Comparison: Why Wizkid Follows Fela

Olamide’s comparison is significant because it bypasses Wizkid’s contemporaries and places him directly in the lineage of Afrobeats’ foundational figure, Fela Kuti. The rationale behind this ranking is likely rooted in two key areas:

Global Pioneering: Just as Fela introduced Afrobeat to the global stage as a unique cultural and political force, Wizkid took the modern Afrobeats sound (the fusion genre) to unprecedented international heights, making him a true successor in terms of global influence.

Cultural Impact and Sound: Fela’s work redefined music and fashion; similarly, Wizkid’s style, sound (particularly his smooth, fluid melodies), and longevity have consistently set trends and maintained international relevance over a decade.

Longevity and Consistency: Olamide’s choice emphasizes Wizkid’s enduring power to dominate charts and conversations since his debut, a consistency rarely matched in the highly competitive scene.

By stating that “After Fela, Wizkid [is the] greatest Afrobeats artist,” Olamide is not just complimenting his peer; he is validating Wizkid’s historical contribution to the genre’s evolution.

Context: The Voice of the Streets

Olamide’s endorsement holds massive cultural weight. As an artist who rose from the streets to build an empire, his view is often seen as authentic and less influenced by global PR machines.

This statement is likely to reignite the famous rivalry debates—often pitting Wizkid against Davido—but Olamide’s strategic inclusion of Fela elevates the discussion, turning it from a simple rivalry into a discussion of historical lineage. By placing Wizkid right below the undisputed King, he makes a powerful argument for Wizkid’s generational dominance.

Conclusion: Olamide Ranks Wizkid Second to Fela

Olamide’s bold assertion has definitively marked his position in the Afrobeats GOAT debate. By classifying Wizkid as the greatest successor to Fela Kuti, he honors the foundational genius of Fela while simultaneously recognizing the modern artist who successfully translated that legacy into a 21st-century global phenomenon. This ranking will undoubtedly fuel discussions for months to come, further cementing both Olamide and Wizkid’s pivotal roles in the history of African music.

Do you agree with Olamide’s ranking? Who, after Fela, do you believe is the greatest Afrobeats artist of all time? Share your thoughts below!