According to Daily Post Nigeria, Afrobeats sensation Ayra Starr has sparked a heated conversation across social media after naming her personal “Afrobeats Big 3.” During a recent interview with Hot 97 FM in New York, the “Sabi Girl” departed from the industry-standard trio of Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy, choosing instead to crown Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, and Rema as the genre’s ultimate titans.
Starr defended her selection by emphasizing the unique impact of each artist, noting Tiwa Savage’s role as a pioneering female force and Rema’s innovative boundary-pushing. Her decision to exclude Davido and Burna Boy—two of Africa’s most decorated global stars—immediately went viral on TikTok and X, with fans debating whether the “Big 3” title should be based on longevity, streaming numbers, or cultural influence.
Beyond the music rankings, the singer also opened up about her recent relocation to New York City. She cited her desire for a different lifestyle and her love for the city’s energy as primary factors, mentioning that she spent her last few summers living in Hell’s Kitchen. This move marks a significant shift in her career as she looks to further solidify her presence in the Western market.
The interview has polarized the Afrobeats community, with some praising her for acknowledging the massive contributions of Tiwa Savage and the “New School” success of Rema. However, critics argue that omitting Davido and Burna Boy ignores their unmatched records on the global stage.
* The Eagle Online (News Outlet): “Many netizens disagreed, insisting that Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy remain Nigeria’s pre-eminent Afrobeats stars.”
* Sunny Green Itodo (Daily Post Journalist): “The usual suspects Davido and Burna Boy… were conspicuously snubbed by Ayra Starr.”
Ayra Starr is strategically positioning herself not just as a star, but as a tastemaker within the genre. By elevating Tiwa Savage, she is championing female representation in a male-dominated hierarchy, while her inclusion of Rema signals a generational shift in how “greatness” is defined. Watch for whether Davido or Burna Boy fans (or the artists themselves) offer a subtle retort on social media, as these rankings often dictate industry narratives for months.
Source: Daily Post Nigeria — https://dailypost.ng/2026/03/12/ayra-starr-picks-wizkid-tiwa-savage-rema-as-goats-of-afrobeats/ March 12, 2026
Photo Credit: Daily Post Nigeria
