Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Wizkid has made headlines once again, this time revealing why he wasn’t selected for a partnership with global fashion giant, Puma. Despite the rumors and online buzz surrounding the ongoing rivalry between Wizkid and fellow Afrobeat icon Davido, Wizkid set the record straight in a viral post on X (formerly Twitter), addressing Puma’s decision to work with Davido.
The Outburst on Social Media
On Wednesday, Wizkid found himself in the middle of a heated conversation when an X user, Nelson Epega, accused him of being frustrated and envious of Davido’s recent Puma deal. The post suggested that Wizkid was unhappy with his rival’s success, fueling the already existing tension between the two heavyweights of Nigerian music.
However, Wizkid’s response was swift and bold. He shut down the rumors by stating that he had originally been in talks with Puma, but turned down the deal due to financial disagreements. According to Wizkid, the brand couldn’t meet his demands, leading them to settle for Davido instead.
Wizkid’s Response: “I’m Way Bigger Than That”
Wizkid’s viral response on X left fans buzzing, as he didn’t hold back. “You idiot! I turned down Puma because they could no longer afford to pay me because I wanted more! Don’t need dat! Way bigger than every artiste you just mentioned! Not jealous! Love them all. With your dirty ass shirt! Idiot!” the singer wrote.
He further elaborated that while Puma is a “big brand,” their budget for Africa simply wasn’t sufficient to meet his requirements. “No! Puma is a big brand! But the budget they had for Africa wasn’t for me! Was cool for your client though!” Wizkid added, making it clear that the brand’s financial limitations, not jealousy or rivalry, were behind his decision to decline the deal.
A Battle of Supremacy?
For years, fans and observers have often pitted Wizkid and Davido against each other, with their respective fan bases fueling a narrative of rivalry and supremacy. Both artists have achieved incredible success on the global stage, representing Afrobeats in major international collaborations, performances, and endorsements.
Wizkid’s statement, however, seems to suggest that for him, it’s less about rivalry and more about knowing his worth. His rejection of the Puma deal, due to what he saw as an insufficient budget, speaks to his confidence in his brand and stature.
The Bigger Picture
This incident highlights not just the competition between these two music giants but also the growing influence and bargaining power African artists are beginning to wield in the global market. With Afrobeats breaking through internationally, artists like Wizkid and Davido are now major players who can command significant sums for their partnerships and endorsements.
While Davido’s collaboration with Puma is a win for him and his fans, Wizkid’s public statement shows that for him, it’s about securing deals that reflect his perceived value and global reach.
The ongoing saga between Wizkid and Davido could just be pure cruise but it continues to captivate fans, but it’s important to note that both stars are pushing Afrobeats to new heights globally. Wizkid’s refusal of the Puma deal doesn’t diminish Davido’s success but instead highlights the different approaches these two superstars take in managing their brands.
In the end, both artists remain crucial to the success of Afrobeats worldwide, each playing their part in representing African culture and music on the international stage.
What’s next for Wizkid? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain; his confidence in his worth and his brand isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
