Nigerian rap legend and YBNL boss, Olamide, has set the record straight about where he stands with the Afrobeats Big 3 — Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy. In a recent chat on Adesope Live: The Afrobeats Podcast, Olamide described the trio as “cool dudes” and even called them his friends, despite the perception of ongoing rivalries and occasional clashes.

According to Olamide, there are times when they don’t align on certain things, and he admitted that the three can be “troublesome” in their own ways. However, he was quick to stress that differences don’t cancel friendship, and competition doesn’t erase respect. He highlighted that the bond within the industry is deeper than what outsiders often assume.

Olamide also responded to questions about being excluded from conversations around the “Big 3” ranking. Rather than seeing it as a slight, he explained that labels and titles mean little to him compared to the impact of his music and legacy. For him, it’s not about being in a category, but about staying true to his craft and leaving behind work that speaks for itself.

As proof of their connection, Olamide shared a behind-the-scenes moment with Wizkid while working on his latest project. He revealed that one of the songs wasn’t initially meant to feature Wizkid, but during the video shoot, Wizkid heard it, liked it, and jumped on it. The collaboration, born from pure vibe, highlights how spontaneity and respect often break through any so-called rivalry.

Olamide’s stance adds a refreshing layer to the Big 3 conversation. While fan bases continue to pit artistes against each other, his message is clear: rivalry doesn’t always mean enmity. Instead, it can coexist with collaboration, friendship, and mutual respect. For young people navigating their own spaces, the lesson is simple — focus less on labels and comparisons, and more on staying authentic to your passion.