Brymo tells Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido to leave pop scene for younger artistes

Nigerian singer Olawale Oloforo, known as Brymo, has told Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Davido to get out of the pop scene and let younger artistes shine.

Speaking on TVC on Wednesday, the outspoken singer said the "Big 3" narrative — the label used for the three Afrobeats heavyweights — is holding back the next generation. He argued that established acts who've been in the game for over a decade should evolve into something else.

"We need to stop talking about how new artists don't have substance," Brymo said. "The industry needs to focus on the barbaric behaviour in the background—some artists trying to lock down the industry for themselves, calling themselves 'Big 3,' 'Big 4,' wanting to be forever."

He pointed out that many of these stars have four or five children at home but still sing about "shake body." Brymo questioned what happens to a 22-year-old artist who has recorded hits but can't break through because the space is crowded with older acts who aren't changing.

"They have four or five children at home, and they want to sing about 'shake body.' What happens to the 22-year-old artist who has recorded hits but has no opportunity to do more because the space is crowded with old guys who aren't evolving?"

Brymo specifically named Rema as one artist who should be leading the global pop conversation right now. "They should shift aside. It's a pop scene, they should evolve into something else. Right now, Rema should be like the biggest pop star in the country without any doubt," he said.

He also dismissed the idea that radio dominance proves relevance. According to Brymo, older acts can use their connections to get played on radio, but that doesn't mean people are actually listening to their music. "All this talk about Wizkid, 2Face, Olamide, Burna Boy. Why? In the Pop scene? Wetin dem dey sing?

Are you listening to them? You can have connections and you people plug yourself on the radio it doesn't mean anything. Nobody likes your stuff anymore. Move aside, evolve. Become something better."

Brymo, known for his critically acclaimed albums like Merchants, Dealers & Slaves and Yellow, has never been one of the top commercial acts. He admitted he doesn't get played on radio much but still makes a living from music. That, he said, shows that the industry's gatekeeping isn't about quality but about power.

The singer's comments come amid ongoing debates about the dominance of a few Afrobeats stars. Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy have dominated global charts, sold out arenas worldwide, and won major awards. But critics argue their long reign has made it harder for newer acts to get the same exposure.

Brymo's call is unlikely to change anything overnight. The three stars he called out haven't responded. But his words have reignited a conversation that many in the industry have been having privately: when is it time for the old guard to step aside?