Wizkid and Davido’s longstanding feud appears far from over as the rivalry between these two afrobeat superstars, each commanding millions of followers globally, has divided Nigerian music enthusiasts into fervent camps: “Team Wizkid” or “Team Davido”.
The latest clash erupted a few days ago when fans on the social media platform X implored Wizkid to drop a new track.
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In response, Wizkid posted a video of a man((alleged to be Davido) that already made rounds on social media pleading on his knees for a favor, challenging his fans to replicate the same level of pleading if they wanted him to release the new song.
Despite rumors suggesting that the individual in the video might be Davido, the 31-year-old celebrity has not made any comments regarding the speculation.
The social media firestorm ignited by the post led to a frenzy among the 30 Billion gang and Wizkid FC, while also creating friction between Kizz Daniel, Tekno, and other artists.
Davido retaliated to Wizkid’s provocation by stating he refuses to squander his influence on “someone whose career was revived only to fade away again.”
It has not only garnered attention online but has also sparked debates among fans on various platforms and offline interactions.
The rivalry between the duo has grown beyond music and has now evolved into a cultural phenomenon, showcasing the intricacies of fan loyalty, personal identity, and the changing dynamics of African music, specifically Afrobeat.
While some social media users argue that this clash is a healthy competition driving both artists to greater heights, others worry that it perpetuates division within the music industry and fans alike.
Timeline Of Wizkid And Davido’s Feud
From chart-topping hits to fiery Twitter feuds, the decade-long rivalry between Nigerian music stars Davido and Wizkid has kept fans on the edge.
Unarguably, David Adeleke and Ayodeji Balogun are two of the forerunners of the Afrobeats genre in the last decade as Nigeria’s biggest music exports.
They started their music career nearly at the same time, with Wizkid’s ‘Holla At Your Boy’ in 2010 and Davido’s ‘Back When’ in 2011. Ever since, they have become unstoppable powerhouses, reigning over everything from accolades to the music charts, consistently delivering one hit after another, and garnering devoted fan bases: Wizkid FC and the 30BG gang.
Their influence goes beyond mere numbers, as their fans display an unwavering dedication similar to that of a cult following. Their impact is felt globally, from selling out arenas like the O2 to making waves as far as Suriname. Wizkid and Davido are not just names; they are legends in the making, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry, both in Nigeria and around the world.
What began as a friendly competition between two rising stars evolved into a ten-year saga marked by moments of collaboration, contention, and everything in between.
Has The Duo Ever Been Friends?
Seven years after supposedly settling their supremacy rift on stage at Wizkid’s concert, they are back at it again.
Both artists reconciled during Wizkid’s concert at the Eko Convention Center in Lagos. To the audience’s delight, Wizkid made the first move by inviting Davido to share the stage and spotlight with him.
With that gesture, Wizkid debunked speculations that he had an age-long beef with Davido as they performed the latter’s hit track, Fia.
It was the first time both singers would perform together.
For fans who had long witnessed the bitter rivalry between Wizkid and Davido, the sight of them sharing a stage was miraculous. As they delivered a flawless rendition of “Fia,” the audience was captivated by the palpable sense of camaraderie and mutual respect between the two artists.
In 2018, there was a glimmer of hope for reconciliation when the two stars decided to temporarily set aside their differences.
Also, between 2020 and 2023, while fans were often at loggerheads, they both showed varying forms of comrade love during their downtimes.
For instance, when Davido lost his three-year-old son, Ifeanyi, on 31 October 2022, Wizkid sent his condolences, and Davido did likewise when Wizkid lost his mother on 18 August 2023.
But as much as fans would have loved this moment to last, it was only a matter of time before their ‘conflict’ resurfaced.
What Happens Next?
Throughout the ongoing verbal battle, it was evident that the complex relationship between Wizkid and Davido, filled with both admiration and disdain, was nowhere near its end. Despite sporadic moments of unity and teamwork, their dynamic continued to be marked by conflict and hostility, captivating fans further with every tweet exchanged.
For enthusiasts of Nigerian music, the conflict between Wizkid and Davido has transformed into a captivating spectacle, an enduring subject of curiosity and allure that consistently captures attention and sparks conjecture.
With the enduring flames of their rivalry, the global audience will certainly remain engaged, eagerly anticipating the unfolding of the next installment in this grand narrative of affection, animosity, and all that lies in the middle.
