The Afrobeats legend Tiwa Savage has sparked a new debate in the music industry after stating it is “unfair” to discuss the genre’s well-known “Big 3” without mentioning Tems.

For years, the “Big 3” label has been reserved for Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy, three male artists who have been instrumental in taking Afrobeats to a global scale. In a recent interview, Tiwa Savage disputed the long-standing “Big 3” narrative, stating that Tems’ growth and influence cannot be disregarded.

Tiwa calmly stated that it seems unjust to discuss the Big 3 without mentioning someone like Tems, as she sat wearing a black leather jacket during the conversation.

Her online comments rapidly garnered support, with numerous people commending her for drawing attention to female representation in an environment that is typically male-dominated. Tems’ accomplishments support Tiwa’s claim. She is a Grammy winner, a Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper, and has collaborated with several of the largest international names in music.

Tiwa’s comments are made at a moment when Afrobeats is undergoing a transition from one generation to the next. Tems is joined by other breakout artists like Rema, Ayra Starr, and Asake in defining the future of the music on a worldwide basis. The question now is whether the industry and fans are prepared to reassess the true meaning of “Big 3” in contemporary Afrobeats.

Tiwa Savage on the Big 3 convo:

— “I also feel like it’s unfair to have that conversation about the Big 3 and not mention someone like Tems” pic.twitter.com/DIb3u9oMlP

— 𝗔𝗟𝗕𝗨𝗠 𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞𝗦 📀 (@AlbumTalksHQ) September 2, 2025