Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido et al. Dominate the Airwaves at Once: feud or promotion?

The Nigerian music landscape is on fire again, reminiscent of that fateful day on Friday, the 13th of May, 2022, when Asake and Spinall dropped Palazzo, Davido blessed us with Stand Strong, and Burna Boy also dropped Last Last. Cut to the present day, 25th of April 2025, and history looks to be repeating itself in a familiar but creepy tone set to a different metronome.

This new batch of release songs by Ayra Starr, Shallipopi, Burna Boy, Boy Spice, and many more have followed in quick succession of Davido’s 5ive release. While it may seem to be another weekend filled with hopeful chart toppers, rumours spreading on the Internet reveal that these new releases go beyond mere musical coincidence; instead, they appear to be a calculated attempt to usurp Davido's rising album.

How it started

On April 18, 2025, Davido released his fifth album, 5ive, a masterpiece filled with A-list collaborations and high expectations. The album hosted hit singles such as Awuke, a collaborative effort with YG Marley, and Funds, which featured Odumodublvck and Chike's skills, with other international and local artists.

Prior to the release of the album on the first speculated date, Davido released a public statement pushing it back over issues of finalisation, label logistics, and the release timing. Few Nigerians, however, believed the rumour. Fans on social media were speculating that the delay was not about logistics but about his planned release colliding with others from major artists.

Some believed that he pushed the date to avoid possible interference from camps like Wizkid FC, as well as other artists like Ruger, Seyi Vibez, and others who were also said to be planning to drop in the same period.

Happening Now

Davido's album release has been accompanied by a flurry of projects from other musicians who have dropped LPs in the same week. Most surprising of all was Zinoleesky, who released his much-anticipated debut album, Gen Z, initially scheduled for a June rollout.

Nigeria's most-streamed female musician, Arya Starr, was also not afraid to show her competitive edge, linking up with Davido's eternal rival, Wizkid, in the tune “Gimme Dat”.

Also joining the April 25 bandwagon was Marvin's Boy Spyce, as well as the collaboration between Shallipopi and Burna Boy for a remix to the international hit “Laho”.

Comparing recent happenings to Wizkid's Album release last Year

Back during the time Wizkid released his sixth studio album, Morayo, on November 22, 2024, it was a whole different vibe. Big names put a halt to their intended song release. Ruger, who had stuck out Toma Toma with Tiwa Savage the same day, also had to publicly apologise; he revealed he had already postponed the track twice just to avoid having a clash with Big Wiz.

Most of the takes on social media were along the lines of dropping music on the same day as Wizkid? Bad idea. There was an industry whisper about an unspoken respect for Popsi, the biggest bird in the game. No one is trying to be smoked by his cult-like fan base or risk being a challenger.

Is this a Promotion or a Feud among Artists

There are many theories as to why so many artists decided to drop music right after Davido’s 5ive. Some believe it’s a smart publicity stunt—dropping tracks close to a big album like 5ive puts everyone in the same limelight for greater visibility for all.

With the industry moving at such a breakneck pace, it’s clear that artists and labels are getting savvier about timing releases to maximise streams and get people talking on several platforms at once.

Some see it as a strategic move. Davido has often maintained that he is the most undervalued performer in the Afrobeat universe, that some players in the industry do not give him his due simply because he comes from a rich home.

Fans have recently opined that artists who drop new songs right after hits like 5ive are trying to overshadow him, perhaps even indirectly challenging his reign. Whether this move is borne out of strategy or competition, the timing has certainly sparked debate in music circles and on social media platforms.

Fans Reactions

These releases have caused varied reactions from fans present on social media. Fans were excited about the collaborations between Ayra Starr and Wizkid and Shalipopi and Burna Boy, with some people online talking about the releases in terms of Davido’s album.

Prom Prom, an X user, used the one going TikTok challenge to express his approval of wizkid's

verse on the new drop Gimme Dat

Even a popular X user known as Starboy Gucci followed up, using the challenge to express his approval

Skd, after a first listen, believed that Zinoleesky's album is the best album of the year

Joey, also an X user, believes that Burna Boy knows how to perfect songs based on his lyrics delivery.

On the contrary, they are also negative reactions, Basic bae said: let's be real, the Laho II remix wasn't necessary.

7G was clearly not impressed with the Wizkid and Ayra Starr song, he was of the opinion that Burna Boy music saved the day.