The controversy surrounding Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s legacy has intensified as veteran musicians and public figures weigh in on the escalating feud between global pop star Wizkid and Fela’s son, Seun Kuti.
The clash began after Seun Kuti criticised comparisons between Wizkid and his late father, insisting that Fela’s influence transcended commercial success and chart dominance. According to Seun, Fela’s enduring relevance lies in his fearless activism against corruption, military dictatorship and social injustice — values he believes cannot be measured by streams or awards.
In response, Wizkid sparked outrage after declaring himself “bigger than Fela” in a series of social media posts, questioning Seun Kuti’s claim to his father’s greatness. “I’m bigger than your dad! What have you done?” Wizkid wrote, later describing Seun as a “fool” in another post on X.
The remarks ignited widespread debate across Nigeria’s music space, dividing fans and commentators. While some defended Wizkid’s right to respond, many prominent voices argued that Fela’s legacy is incomparable.
Fela’s daughter, Yeni Kuti, attempted to de-escalate tensions, saying she holds Wizkid in high regard and does not wish to see the dispute spiral further. However, others, including former senator Shehu Sani and media personality Daddy Freeze, firmly rejected any comparison between the two artists.
In a video broadcast, Daddy Freeze stressed that Fela was more than a musician, describing him as a freedom fighter whose art and activism were inseparable. He recalled how Fela endured repeated arrests, physical assaults and imprisonment for confronting oppressive governments, noting that the Afrobeat pioneer was once released from prison only to prevent him from dying in custody.
“Until Wizkid is ready to confront the government and fight for civil rights, he has no basis to compare himself to Fela,” Daddy Freeze said, emphasising that Fela’s music came with personal sacrifice and national consequence.
Maverick entertainer Charly Boy also criticised Wizkid, drawing a sharp contrast between pop stardom and revolutionary artistry. In a Pidgin English remark, he said Wizkid makes people dance and feel good, while Fela forced society to think, challenge authority and awaken collective consciousness.
Similarly, ‘Denge Pose’ crooner Baba Fryo expressed disappointment with younger artists, describing Fela as a multi-instrumentalist, revolutionary and full-time musician who remained relevant for over three decades until his death. He likened the controversy to an unthinkable comparison between Jamaican artists and reggae icon Bob Marley.
The ongoing feud has reignited broader conversations about generational values in Nigerian music, respect for cultural icons and the role of art in social change. While contemporary pop stars dominate global charts, many argue that Fela Kuti’s influence endures as a symbol of resistance, cultural identity and fearless truth-telling — a legacy that goes far beyond commercial success.