The ongoing debate about Nigeria’s Afrobeats “Big 3” — traditionally seen as Davido, Wizkid, and Burna Boy — has come under fresh scrutiny, with veteran singer Tiwa Savage questioning whether this narrow label still reflects the reality of the industry. She argues that Tems, with her global hits and critical acclaim, deserves inclusion among the top-tier artists.
“It’s unfair to have that conversation about the Big 3 and not mention someone like Tems,” Tiwa said in a recent interview, highlighting the young star’s achievements and growing influence on the Afrobeats scene.
While Tiwa’s point is valid, the criticism also exposes the flaws in the “Big 3” narrative itself. The label, often repeated by fans and media alike, oversimplifies a diverse and rapidly evolving music scene. By ignoring artists like Tems — who has collaborated internationally, topped charts, and won awards — the industry risks undervaluing innovation, female voices, and younger talent making waves on a global stage.
Moreover, the obsession with fixed “top 3” rankings often reduces complex musical contributions to popularity contests. Success in Afrobeats today is multifaceted, spanning streaming numbers, international recognition, and cultural influence — criteria that Tems meets in abundance.
In this context, Tiwa’s criticism is less about Tems’ exclusion and more about the need for the Nigerian music industry to rethink how it defines success. By continuing to hold onto an outdated “Big 3” narrative, fans and media may inadvertently undermine the very progress that artists like Tems represent.
Ultimately, the conversation should shift from rigid hierarchies to celebrating the diverse talents shaping Afrobeats globally. If the “Big 3” concept persists, it risks becoming a legacy that ignores the stars who are genuinely expanding the genre’s reach and impact.
