Introduction: Afrobeats Kings at War
Afrobeats has gone from local club jams to dominating global music charts, and two of its biggest stars — Davido and Burna Boy — have been at the center of a long-running, highly publicized rivalry. For years, fans have debated who’s the bigger star, but things went beyond friendly competition into open beef.
This article gives you the full timeline of Davido vs Burna Boy, the viral moments, the fan wars, and why this beef matters to Nigerian music.
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The Early Days: Mutual Respect and Silent Competition
Before the drama, Davido and Burna Boy were simply two rising stars in the same game. Davido had already built a reputation for catchy hits like “Dami Duro,” while Burna Boy was crafting a unique sound blending reggae, dancehall, and Afrobeats.
At first, there was mutual respect — no public shots, no shade. But in the background, fans were already comparing them: Who sells out bigger venues? Who wins more awards?
2019–2020: The First Sparks
The first real signs of tension came in 2019 after Burna Boy started calling himself the “African Giant” while promoting his Grammy-nominated album. Davido, around the same time, posted a picture of himself and Wizkid with the caption “Two Greatest of All Time,” which Burna Boy seemed to shade indirectly in his Instagram stories.
Fans read between the lines — and the “coded messages” began.
2020: The Ghana Club Brawl
Things went viral in December 2020 when both artists were in Ghana. Reports claimed that Burna Boy and his crew confronted Davido at a nightclub, leading to a physical altercation. Social media exploded with memes, blurry videos, and heated fan arguments.
Davido later tweeted:
“I go leave this music for una.”
This added more fuel to the fire, as fans speculated that the pressure from constant feuds was getting to him.
The Social Media Shade Era
Between 2021 and 2022, the rivalry became an online battle. Burna Boy made cryptic posts about people “buying streams” and “being industry babies.” Davido clapped back indirectly, saying his success comes from “real fans, not paid promo.”
Hashtags like #TeamOBO and #TeamAfricanGiant trended almost every other week.
The Grammys Factor
When Burna Boy won a Grammy in 2021 for Twice as Tall, Davido fans accused him of arrogance, while Burna Boy’s side argued it was proof he was above his peers. The tension wasn’t just about music anymore — it was about legacy.
Fan Wars & Public Perception
In Nigeria, music fan loyalty is like football team loyalty — fierce, emotional, and often irrational. Davido’s fans (30BG) and Burna Boy’s fans regularly clash on Twitter over sales, concert turnouts, and even fashion sense.
For example, when Davido performed at the World Cup closing ceremony in 2022, 30BG claimed it was proof of his global dominance. Burna Boy’s side clapped back, pointing out his Coachella and Champions League performances.
Why This Beef Matters to Afrobeats
While the rivalry has had negative moments, it’s also fueled global curiosity about Afrobeats. Both artists continue to push Nigerian music into new markets, proving there’s room for multiple kings.
FAQ
Q: Have Davido and Burna Boy ever done a song together?
Not yet — but fans dream of a collaboration.
Q: Is the beef over?
There have been peaceful moments, but the tension never fully disappears.
Whether you’re #TeamOBO or #TeamAfricanGiant, one thing is clear: This rivalry has made Afrobeats more exciting than ever.
