Afrobeats Could Have Dominated the Global Stage More If Top Artists United, Asa Asika Urges Unity Among Nigeria’s Musical Heavyweights

 

The global rise of Afrobeats has been nothing short of phenomenal. From the vibrant streets of Lagos to sold-out arenas in New York, London, and Paris, the sound of Africa has gained powerful momentum. Yet, according to Asa Asika, the longtime manager of superstar Davido, the genre's potential could have expanded even further if Nigeria’s most celebrated acts had come together for collaborative projects during their prime.

Asika, who has played a critical role in shaping Davido’s successful career, recently made headlines following a viral video where he voiced his thoughts on what he believes was a missed opportunity within the Afrobeats movement. His remarks have since sparked passionate discourse across social media platforms, drawing both praise and criticism from fans and insiders alike.

Speaking candidly, Asika pointed out that a collaborative effort between top-tier artists such as Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, and others could have propelled the genre to even greater heights globally. “Our genre would’ve being bigger if Wizkid, Davido and everybody who was popping at that point were all collaborating,” he remarked in the clip.

He went further to explain that such unity would not only have amplified the global appeal of Afrobeats but would also have boosted ticket sales and solidified the commercial power of African music on the international stage. “I might be wrong,” he admitted, “but the probability of our genre being bigger and more successful, even stronger in terms of ticket values and shows being stronger, will be a thing.”

Those words resonated deeply with many fans who have long hoped for collaborations among Nigeria’s biggest music exports. Imagining a song that features Davido’s dynamic delivery, Wizkid’s smooth melodies, and Burna Boy’s Afro-fusion style is enough to send any Afrobeats lover into a frenzy.

Yet, as dream-worthy as that idea might seem, reality has painted a different picture. Rivalries, scheduling conflicts, and industry politics have often kept these artists apart, at least when it comes to joint music ventures. While sporadic collaborations have occurred, such as Wizkid and Burna Boy’s "Ginger" or Davido and Kizz Daniel’s "One Ticket," a true unification among all of the genre’s top players has remained elusive.

Despite this, each artist has carved a unique path and contributed massively to the genre’s global prominence. Wizkid’s historic performance at the O2 Arena, Burna Boy’s Grammy win and international festival appearances, and Davido’s record-breaking global tours have all played pivotal roles in solidifying Afrobeats as a major force in the global music industry.

Critics of Asika’s viewpoint argue that the genre has flourished regardless of the lack of collective efforts among the top names. They highlight that diversity and individual branding have contributed to Afrobeats’ strength, allowing different sounds to emerge and appeal to a wide range of audiences.

However, Asika’s argument speaks to the power of strategic unity. The potential for a mega-hit collaboration involving the most influential names in the scene might have had the same impact as historical collaborations in hip-hop or pop music. Think of how joint albums or massive singles in Western music, such as “Watch the Throne” by Kanye West and Jay-Z, or “FourFiveSeconds” by Rihanna, Kanye West, and Paul McCartney, generated global cultural moments.

As Afrobeats continues to evolve, there is still room for such landmark collaborations. The next generation of artists is watching and learning from the path laid by their predecessors. Tems, Rema, Ayra Starr, Fireboy DML, and others are rising fast, armed with global vision and international deals. If unity becomes a more common theme moving forward, the genre could experience yet another wave of explosive growth.

Asika’s comments may be seen by some as wistful reflection, but they also serve as a call to action. The message is clear: collective success can create waves that single victories cannot. As Afrobeats eyes its future, the idea of shared triumphs might just be the key to unlocking its next major leap.