The conversation around who truly defines or “owns” the Afrobeats sound has ignited once again—this time drawing two of Nigeria’s biggest industry powerhouses into the spotlight: Wizkid and Don Jazzy.

A social media storm was sparked after an old clip of Don Jazzy detailing how Mo’Hits Records pioneered the modern Afrobeats wave resurfaced online, drawing praise from fans who credit him with shaping the genre’s sonic and commercial foundation in the 2000s.

Shortly after, Wizkid subtly fanned the flames in a cryptic tweet that read, “Afrobeats no get landlord. Everyone just dey rent space.” The post, which many interpreted as a veiled response to ongoing praise for Don Jazzy, ignited a heated debate on who truly owns the Afrobeats legacy.

Don Jazzy: The Architect

With a production career spanning over two decades, Don Jazzy is widely respected for building careers and crafting hits that defined a generation. From D’banj’s “Oliver Twist” to the formation of Mavin Records, his fingerprints are all over the genre’s global rise.

“Don Jazzy gave Afrobeats structure and global exposure long before streaming numbers became the gold standard,” said music critic Osagie Alonge. “He created a brand ecosystem that birthed stars.”

Wizkid: The Global Export

But when it comes to the global crossover of Afrobeats, Wizkid remains one of its most impactful ambassadors. From his Drake-assisted smash hit “One Dance” to his Grammy-winning feature on “Brown Skin Girl”, Wizkid has been pivotal in exporting Afrobeats to mainstream Western audiences.

His 2020 album “Made in Lagos” received international acclaim, with the single “Essence” dubbed “the song of the summer” by American media. Many argue that Wizkid redefined the genre’s global appeal with his minimalist, soulful blend of sound.

Industry Reaction

While neither party has publicly called the other out, fans, DJs, and music historians are split down the middle. Some assert that Don Jazzy laid the groundwork, while others argue that Wizkid commercialized and globalized it like no one else.

“Both men are legends,” said entertainment analyst Adeola Ariyo. “Don Jazzy built the stage. Wizkid danced on it and made sure the world watched.”

The Bigger Picture

The debate reflects a larger question about cultural ownership in a genre that continues to expand globally. From Burna Boy’s activism to Tems’ genre-bending vocals, Afrobeats is evolving rapidly—and the definition of its originators is getting blurrier by the day.

Still, if there’s one thing fans agree on, it’s that Afrobeats has no single landlord but multiple architects, each leaving an indelible mark.

For now, the sound lives on not in the hands of one but in the hearts of many