Many young people today may not really understand the influence that certain musicians commanded back in the day, some of them were literally worshipped as demi-gods, one of whom is the Nigerian singer and performer, Onyeka Onwenu who is alternatively referred to as ‘the elegant stallion’.

Onyeka Onwenu is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, actress, journalist, and politician who was born on May 17, 1952. She is often referred to as the “Elegant Stallion” because of her graceful and dignified presence on stage. Onwenu’s music is a blend of traditional African rhythms, pop, and soul, and her lyrics often explore themes of love, social justice, and political activism.

Onwenu began her musical career in the 1980s, when she released her debut album “For the Love of You”. The album was a commercial success and established Onwenu as a rising star in the Nigerian music scene. Over the next few decades, she continued to release hit albums, including “In the Morning Light”, “Golden Songs”, and “One Love”.

Onwenu’s music was not only popular in Nigeria but also across Africa and in the diaspora. She was known for her soulful vocals and her ability to infuse traditional African rhythms with contemporary Western sounds. Her music was a reflection of the changing times in Nigeria, as the country underwent rapid social and cultural changes in the post-colonial era.

In addition to her music, Onwenu was also a prominent journalist and advocate for women’s rights. She used her platform to speak out against gender-based violence and inequality, and she was a vocal supporter of the feminist movement in Nigeria. In the 1990s, she served as the chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture and played a key role in promoting the arts in Nigeria.

Onwenu’s activism was not limited to Nigeria; she was also a vocal critic of apartheid in South Africa and spoke out against the racist policies of the apartheid regime. She was a supporter of the anti-apartheid movement and used her music to raise awareness about the plight of black South Africans.

Onwenu’s legacy extends beyond her music and activism. She is also a successful actress who has appeared in numerous Nigerian films and television shows. She has won several awards for her acting, including the Best Actress award at the African Movie Academy Awards.

In 2013, Onwenu was appointed as the Director-General of the National Centre for Women Development in Nigeria. In this role, she worked to promote gender equality and empower women in Nigeria. She has also been involved in politics and was a member of the National Democratic Coalition, a pro-democracy group that fought against military rule in Nigeria. Onyewu is considered a legend in the Nigerian and African Music scene and even though she’s far past her prime, her music will live forever.

Stephen Osita Osadebe was a Nigerian highlife musician who was born in Atani, in the southeastern state of Anambra, Nigeria. He was born on March 1936 and passed away on May 2007. Osadebe was a prolific artist who released over 500 songs during his career. He was one of the most popular musicians in Nigeria and was widely regarded as the “Chief Commander” of highlife music. Osadebe’s music was deeply rooted in the traditional rhythms and melodies of his Igbo culture. He drew inspiration from the traditional music of the Igbo people, as well as from Western styles such as jazz and blues. Osadebe’s music was characterized by his smooth vocals and his use of the guitar to create intricate, rhythmic melodies. His music was often danceable, and he was known for his ability to get audiences moving with his infectious beats.

Osadebe’s popularity began to grow in the 1960s, when he released his first album, “Atamga Achiever”. This album was a commercial success, and it established Osadebe as a rising star in the Nigerian music scene. Over the next few decades, Osadebe continued to release hit albums, including “Osondi Owendi” and “Kedu America”. His music was embraced by people of all ages, and his popularity extended beyond Nigeria to other African countries and even to the United States and Europe. One of the reasons for Osadebe’s success was his ability to fuse traditional Igbo music with Western styles. He was able to create a unique sound that appealed to both traditionalists and younger audiences who were interested in new and innovative sounds. His music was a reflection of the changing times in Nigeria, as the country underwent rapid social and cultural changes in the post-colonial era.Osadebe also used his music to address social and political issues in Nigeria.

Many of his songs were about the struggles of the Igbo people, who were often marginalized in Nigerian society. He sang about issues such as poverty, corruption, and inequality, and his music was a voice for the oppressed and marginalized. He also celebrated Igbo culture and traditions, and his music helped to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo people.Osadebe’s legacy lives on long after his death. His music continues to be popular in Nigeria and around the world, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest musicians in Nigerian history.

The Nigerian music industry has grown significantly over the past few decades, with many artists achieving international success and recognition. Among the many successful Nigerian artists are Davido, Wizkid, and Burnaboy. These three artists have gained a significant following both in Nigeria and around the world, and their music has become an important part of the Nigerian music scene. In this article, we will explore the question of who is bigger between Davido, Wizkid, and Burnaboy.

To answer this question, we need to consider several factors, including the artists’ popularity, their impact on the music industry, their achievements, and their influence on Nigerian and African music.

Popularity

When it comes to popularity, all three artists are extremely popular and have a large following. Davido, Wizkid, and Burnaboy have all amassed a significant number of fans both in Nigeria and around the world, and their music is played in clubs, on radio stations, and at parties everywhere. They have all sold out shows and concerts, and their music videos have millions of views on YouTube.

However, when we look at the numbers, it’s clear that one artist stands out. According to Forbes, Davido is the wealthiest Nigerian musician and one of the richest musicians in Africa, with an estimated net worth of $30 million. He has also been named the most streamed Nigerian artist on YouTube, with over 500 million views. In addition, he has over 20 million followers on Instagram, making him one of the most-followed African celebrities on the platform. His endorsement deals however have been what put him clearly ahead of his contemporaries as he is the face (brand ambassador or partner) of no less than 20 local and international brands amongst which are Puma, Martell, Pepsi, 1xBet, Infinix, Wema Bank, Munct iT, Viva Plus, Travelbeta, Bitsika, Pennek, MTN, Close Up, Guinness, & AXE Body Spray.

Wizkid and Burnaboy are also extremely popular, with millions of fans and followers on social media. However, they do not have the same level of wealth as Davido, and their YouTube views and social media following are slightly lower than his.

Impact on the Music Industry

All three artists have had a significant impact on the music industry, both in Nigeria and globally. They have all contributed to the rise of Afrobeat music, which has become increasingly popular in recent years. Afrobeat music is a fusion of African rhythms, hip-hop, and R&B, and has been embraced by audiences around the world.

Davido, Wizkid, and Burnaboy have all played a significant role in popularizing Afrobeat music globally. Davido is known for his unique blend of Afrobeat and pop music, while Wizkid is known for his smooth vocals and catchy hooks. Burnaboy, on the other hand, is known for his fusion of Afrobeat and reggae and has in the last 2 years ammased an extremely powerful international following touring Europe and America with his band, The O.U.T.S.I.D.E.R.S and has been considered by many music commentators as the new face of Afrobeats because of how he has embodied and exported the genre to regions where it was formerly unknown or relatively unpopular.

Verdict

It’d be quite unfair to select one and leave out the other(s) going by how much tremendous effort they have all contributed to the growth of not just Afrobeats but Nigerian and African music in general, all we can do is to just sit back and rotate between playists of their music or album and pray they continue to put out more good music for a long time to come.