Davido Wizkid collaboration missed as Asa Asika says stronger unity among Afrobeats stars could have made the genre even more globally successful
Afrobeats could have seen even greater global success if key Nigerian artistes like Davido and Wizkid had collaborated more frequently. This view was expressed by Asa Asika, longtime manager of Davido, during his appearance on The Afropolitan podcast.
In a candid conversation, Asika argued that unity among Afrobeats artistes is currently lacking, especially when compared with how Latin music stars work together.
He pointed out that the constant collaborations between musicians like J Balvin, Nicky Jam and Bad Bunny have helped the Latin genre explode on the international stage.
“Our genre ticket values at international shows will be stronger,” Asika said. “Afrobeat would have been bigger if Davido, Wizkid and the likes of others were collaborating. I might be wrong but the probability of Afrobeat being more successful and bigger is a thing.”
Asika’s remarks have reignited debate about the long-standing perceived rivalry between Davido and Wizkid, two of Afrobeats’ biggest stars.
Despite both artistes being major forces in the global music scene, fans have rarely seen them collaborate on music, a fact that continues to puzzle many within the industry.
Industry observers have often noted that while competition can drive excellence, excessive division can limit a genre’s potential to grow collectively.
Latin music’s blueprint, marked by synergy and consistent joint efforts, contrasts sharply with the often fragmented approach seen in Afrobeats.
Asika, who has managed Davido throughout the singer’s rise to global stardom, expressed disappointment over missed opportunities. He suggested that collaborative projects involving multiple top-tier artistes could have strengthened Afrobeats’ position on the international music map.
“We’ve watched the Latin guys move like a unit,” Asika said, highlighting how Latin artistes promote one another’s work across borders and languages. “They share audiences, boost streaming numbers, and build value. That’s what we’re not fully doing yet.”
This statement resonates with a growing segment of Afrobeats fans who believe unity within the genre would not only boost global perception but also increase the earning power of African musicians abroad.
Asika’s comments did not directly blame any individual artiste but instead encouraged a broader culture of collaboration and long-term vision.
A Lagos-based music critic, Ifeanyi Oduah, remarked, “Asika is saying what many have whispered for years. Imagine the global wave if Davido and Wizkid had teamed up five years ago. It could have been historic.”
To date, there has been no official collaborative project between the two superstars, although their fan bases have occasionally speculated about potential work together.
Despite a few moments of public cordiality, a sense of rivalry has often overshadowed what could be a powerful alliance.
Meanwhile, Afrobeats continues to rise internationally, with artistes like Burna Boy, Tems and Rema also making waves across Europe, America and beyond.
However, some analysts argue that sustained dominance requires the genre to function as a community rather than a collection of solo acts.
In his interview, Asika stressed the importance of thinking beyond local success. “It’s not just about who gets the most streams. It’s about how the genre is perceived globally,” he said.
As fans and industry insiders continue to reflect on his remarks, one thing remains clear: Afrobeats has massive potential, but its next evolution might depend on stronger collaboration.
The dream of a Davido Wizkid collaboration missed in the past could still become a reality, and many hope it happens sooner rather than later.
