Nigerian singer and songwriter Brymo has stirred debate with his latest comments on the Afrobeats industry, urging some of the genre’s biggest stars to make way for a new generation of artists.
Speaking during an interview with TVC, the outspoken musician questioned the continued dominance of the “Big 3” conversation in Nigerian music, arguing that the industry’s focus should shift towards younger acts who are currently shaping the sound and direction of contemporary Afrobeats.
According to Brymo, the long-running narrative surrounding established stars such as Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy has kept them at the centre of industry discussions, potentially limiting recognition for emerging talents.
The singer singled out Rema as the artist he believes should currently be regarded as Nigeria’s leading pop star, citing the younger generation’s growing influence on both local and international audiences.
He said:
“We need to stop talking about how the new artists don’t have lyrical substance and focus on how some artists want to lock down the industry for themselves with the ‘Big 3’ narrative and continue reigning forever. They should shift aside. Right now, Rema should be the biggest pop star in the country without any doubt. All this talk about Wizkid, 2Face, Olamide, Burna Boy. Why? In the Pop scene?? Wetin dem dey sing? You can plug the radio but nobody likes your stuff anymore. Move aside, evolve.”
“They should shift aside, It’s a pop scene, they should evolve, leave the mainstream alone for young people.”
“Rema should be the biggest pop star in the country without any doubt”
— Brymo on the Big 3/Big 4 👀 pic.twitter.com/Pz8rNDoCHU
— THE DEBUT HUB (@thedebuthub) June 16, 2026
Brymo’s remarks have since generated mixed reactions across social media, with some fans agreeing that newer artists deserve greater recognition, while others defended the contributions and continued relevance of Afrobeats veterans.
The debate around the “Big 3” has remained one of the most discussed topics in Nigerian music over the years, often centring on the achievements and influence of Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy.
However, the rapid rise of artists such as Rema, Ayra Starr, Asake, and others has increasingly fuelled conversations about a changing of the guard within the industry.