Afrobeats legend Tiwa Savage has stirred up fresh conversation in the music world after saying it’s “unfair” to talk about the genre’s famous “Big 3” without including Tems.
The “Big 3” tag has for years been reserved for Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy, three male artists credited with pushing Afrobeats to global heights. But in a recent interview, Tiwa Savage challenged that long-standing “Big 3” narrative, insisting that Tems’ rise and impact cannot be ignored.
“I also feel like it’s unfair to have that conversation about the Big 3 and not mention someone like Tems,” Tiwa said, calmly making her point while seated in a black leather jacket during the chat.
Her comments quickly gained traction online, with many praising her for spotlighting female representation in a space often dominated by men. Tems’ achievements back Tiwa’s argument. she’s a Grammy winner, a Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper, and has worked with some of the biggest international names in music.
Tiwa’s remarks come at a time when Afrobeats is experiencing a generational shift. Alongside Tems, breakout stars like Rema, Ayra Starr and Asake are shaping the future of the sound on a global scale. The question now is whether the industry and fans are ready to rethink what “Big 3” really means in today’s Afrobeats scene.
