Written by Benjamin Njoku
In Nigeria’s music scene, the rivalry between Wizkid and Seun Kuti over Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s legacy is still making a stir, with many well-known musicians and fans offering their opinions.
Recall that Wizkid’s remark that he is “bigger than Fela” caused a stir in the media last week, eliciting conflicting responses from music icons and fans.
Seun Kuti’s perspective
Citing Fela’s fight against corrupt governments and other accomplishments as a special degree of appreciation, Seun had started a seven-day Instagram live session to drag Wizkid’s supporters.
Wizkid’s reply
In response, Wizkid said he was “bigger than Fela” and questioned whether Seun inherited his father’s greatness.
Mabiaku Dede
Dede Mabiaku, a protégé of Fela, has distanced himself from the connection, claiming that because Fela founded the Afrobeat movement, comparisons are superfluous.
Mabiaku stated, “Fela at 20 was doing things people never comprehended,” on a TV show over the weekend.
When social media didn’t exist, Fela was well-known worldwide.
Afrobeat music is a way of life and a movement. The comparison has no parameters.
During Fela’s lifetime, social media did not exist. However, that same man invented the movement of force that gave many Africans their independence. That same young man at that time devised a process that helped shape what we see today as music.
One individual who was admired globally for his accomplishments was Fela. Fela is referred regarded as a prophet by pastors. It has nothing to do with Wizkid claiming to be larger than Fela. Mabiaku said, “There is no comparison parameter.”
Speaking is Obi Asika
Music executive and NCAC DG Obi Asika refers to Wizkid as a “king” and Fela as “immortal.” The connection was criticized by gospel reggae artist Righteousman Erhabor, who referred to Fela as an institution.
“Comparing Wizkid to Fela is unfair. He claimed, “I am aware of at least five Wizkid hit songs that were lifted from Fela.”
Righteousman
According to Righteousman, many Gen-Zers who were not born while Fela was alive and dominating the radio are discovering him for the first time as a result of the feud.
“This feud reintroduced Fela to a whole new crowd,” he remarked.
Singing by Eedris Abdulkarim
The recent controversy surrounding Wizkid and Seun Kuti’s rivalry over Fela Kuti’s legacy will be addressed in Eedris Abdulkareem’s upcoming song.
As seen by his earlier compositions like “Jaga Jaga” and “Tell Your Papa,” Eedris is well-known for utilizing his music to discuss social concerns and critique the government.
Following his history of addressing controversial themes, people are eager to hear his view on this situation.
Seun is blamed by Ruggedman
According to Ruggedman, Wizkid’s “Abami Eda” tattoo shows how much he respects Fela. He blames Seun for the feud, alleging Seun disrespected Wizkid initially.
Ruggedman continues, “Wizkid responded to Seun’s jabs; he never claimed to be bigger than Fela.”
He believes that Wizkid’s supporters might have reacted negatively to Seun’s remarks.
Wizkid’s tattoo of Abami Edas on his body is evidence that he has always been a huge fan of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. He never claimed to be larger than Fela. I believe he simply answered the way he did just to spite Seun who had been at loggerheads with some of his admirers online for over five days or so.
“I commend Wizkid for controlling his emotions. However, Seun’s statement that “Wizkid is not defending his fans or doing anything to him after all he has said” was an outright insult to Wizkid.
That might have made Wizkid’s supporters hostile. A man will respond if you openly and explicitly disrespect him, according to Ruggedman.
Yeni Kuti is my close friend.
Yeni Kuti, Fela’s daughter, responded last week, saying she loves Wizkid and doesn’t want the conflict to get worse. She is lamenting the feud’s timing, given that Nigerians are getting ready to commemorate Fela Kuti’s legacy around the world. The dispute is creating needless strain.
Because of some of the insults they were making, I declined to participate in the discussion. Wizkid is my little buddy, and I adore him. Together, we’ve come a long way. He was a backup vocalist when he performed at Shrine during Felabration, so I can never say that I don’t like Wizkid,” she remarked.
And I wish he had stopped it right away, but he didn’t. We are one people, so let’s put our differences aside. We’re ready to commemorate our icon at the Grammy Awards, and you’re all getting into this nasty dispute. The stain is not just on the Fela family, but also on Nigeria.
”Do you see Bob Marley people disrespecting him? They wouldn’t act in that way. Fela is an icon and the founder of a type of music, so why are you criticizing him if you have a problem? He has left after doing his own.
“You are constantly bringing up Fela’s name even though he has been deceased for 27 years. That is simply the answer to his greatness. Can’t we just respect that, fight other living people, and move on from the man who has done his own thing? Yeni remarked, “He shouldn’t have insulted him.
Wizkid is kind and modest, according to Femi Kuti
Additionally, Femi Kuti said in the video that Wizkid is very close to his family and not at all like the person he is frequently represented as on the internet. He emphasized Wizkid’s unwavering backing of Felabration, the yearly music festival honoring Fela Kuti.
Femi claims that Wizkid has consistently respected Fela’s legacy and is still dedicated to upholding it.
“To me, Wizkid is like family.” Unless he’s not in the nation, that is. He will honor “Felabration” because he consistently attends. People who comment on him on social media don’t actually know Wizkid, in my opinion. The Wizkid I know is incredibly polite and humble.
“People don’t simply comprehend what it means to have so many people calling your name and holding you to such high standards. “I think he’s handling it very well, but the pressure is too much, especially for someone who has been at the top for so long,” Femi continued.
Daddy Freeze and Shehu Sani
Citing Fela’s activism and influence on Nigerian society, some like Shehu Sani and Daddy Freeze contend that Fela’s legacy cannot be compared to Wizkid’s.
The documentary by Wizkid
As part of the Music Box series, Wizkid’s documentary “Wizkid: Long Live Lagos” debuted on HBO and Max towards the end of last year.Wizkid’s journey from his Lagos roots to becoming a global Afrobeats superstar is chronicled in the documentary, which includes his historic 2023 headline performance at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The movie was released on Showmax after its HBO broadcast. As of early 2026, the documentary, which tackles topics of identity, culture, and the expansion of the Nigerian music business garnered accolades, being crowned Best Movie by the Grape Juice Awards and still creating waves abroad. The film had its international debut at the Tribeca Film Festival in June 2025. The documentary’s candid and vibrant portrayal of Wizkid’s life and career won accolades from the screening’s critics. It demonstrates how Wizkid’s roots in Lagos and his international performances helped alter perceptions of African music around the world, reiterating his desirable position as a powerful influence in the African music scene.
Deeper problems
Overall, the conflict draws attention to more serious problems with Nigerian music. It’s about appreciating and comprehending the influence of music icons.
