Ayra Starr Drops Her Afrobeats 'Big 3' in Hot 97 Interview: Tiwa Savage, Wizkid, and Rema Take the Crown

 Rising Afrobeats superstar Ayra Starr just stirred up major conversations in the genre after naming her personal "Big 3" during a candid interview on Hot 97 FM in New York.

In the chat (aired around mid-March 2026), the "Rush" hitmaker was asked to name the most influential acts shaping Afrobeats' sound and global explosion. Without hesitation, she declared: “My Afrobeats Big 3 would be Tiwa Savage, Wizkid and Rema. My solid Big 3.”

She gave quick props to each:

• Tiwa Savage — "obviously" as the pioneering queen who's paved the way for female artists in the scene.
• Wizkid — the global trailblazer who's taken Afrobeats worldwide with timeless hits and massive collabs.
• Rema — bringing fresh, innovative energy and that next-gen vibe that's keeping the sound evolving.

Notably absent from her list? Heavyweights like Davido and Burna Boy, who often top traditional "Big 3" debates alongside Wizkid. That omission alone has fans divided—some praising Ayra for highlighting Tiwa's underrated influence and Rema's youth-driven innovation, while others argue the list feels incomplete without the "30BG" or "African Giant" reps.

The clip went viral fast on socials, with reactions flooding in:

• Supporters calling it a "respectful" and "fresh" take that honors both legacy and new wave.
• Debates raging: "Tiwa deserves the flowers!" vs. "How no Davido or Burna?"
• Shoutouts to Ayra's own ties—she's collabed with all three (Wizkid on "Gimme Dat," Tiwa in the sisterhood vibe, Rema in the Mavin family energy).

This comes at a perfect time for Afrobeats, with the genre's global dominance stronger than ever (recent co-signs from Rick Ross on CNN, Tiwa's new music foundation launch, and Omah Lay's upcoming album). Ayra's pick feels like a nod to a balanced view: the queen who started it, the star who globalized it, and the kid who's reinventing it.

Her choices reflect her own rise—blending bold femininity, melodic innovation, and youthful fire. As one of the genre's brightest young voices (Grammy nods, sold-out tours, and hits like "Bloody Samaritan"), her opinion carries weight and is sparking the kind of healthy debate that keeps Afrobeats evolving.

What do you think of Ayra Starr's Big 3? Does it match yours, or would you swap someone in? Tiwa, Wizkid, Rema... or someone else on top? Drop your list below! 🌍🔥