The Recording Academy, known for organizing the Grammy Awards, has stirred intense debate on Nigerian social media following a recent post about Afrobeats.

In a tweet shared on its official X account, the Academy discussed the evolution of Afrobeats and named Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Rema as the top three artists in the genre from 2010 to date. This declaration quickly triggered mixed reactions from fans and critics alike.

The post also highlighted the growing global influence of Afrobeats, particularly from the mid-2010s, and included a list of what the Academy considers the top ten Afrobeats songs of all time.

Among the songs featured are 2Baba’s African Queen released in 2004, Do Me by P-Square from 2007, Bumper 2 Bumper by Wande Coal from 2009, and Pon Pon Pon by Dagrin also from 2009. The list continues with Azonto by Fuse ODG featuring Tiffany Owusu released in 2014,

Ojuelegba by Wizkid in the same year, Mad Over You by Runtown from 2016, Maradona by Niniola from 2017, Sungba by Asake from 2022, and Ozeba by Rema released in 2024.

The Recording Academy’s selection has since ignited conversations online, with many questioning the criteria used while others praised the acknowledgment of the genre’s pioneers and current stars.

Part of their article read:

“💫 From its popularization in the mid-2010s to current global, chart-topping dominance by the likes of @wizkidayo, @burnaboy and @heisrema, the sound of Afrobeats is constantly shifting.”

See the post below:

See some comments below:

@good_456910:”Where is my David??”

@Bigdraxxx7:”Lol eye service wan finish Una Na most Nigerians kuku rate this award I no rate una papa.”

@heisdamiosky:”Y’all shouldn’t use our names for clout if you won’t be handing us the next Grammies, our artiste are putting all the best in their craft, reward them accordingly!”

@davidostanaccount:”Off to report your pages, get your facts straight d**b f%.”

@KinqKudos:”Grammy no know 001 ke? 😭”

@wizkidvein:”You are right, Wizkid is the greatest. 💯 . I hope Wizkid is getting a Grammy this season.”

@AyoReggie007:”Them no tag una frog 🐸 ooo😂😂😂. See tears and catarrh full everywhere for 30 bingos camp. Foolish Fanbase😂.”

@AYODELEJOS21178:”@RecordingAcad May u crumble. You’re talking about genesis of the top dominance without D banj and Psquare, even the First Afrobeat artist to bag a Single RIAA cert wasn’t included, may u crumble once again.”

@MotojehiTobi:”We all know Wizkid and burna started from 2010 and still hitting the world with their lovely songs, but Rema started his career at 2019 so I guess Davido shud be on the list.. So y’all shud stop being bias.”