Grammy-nominated Afrobeat musician Seun Kuti has sparked fresh debate in the Nigerian music scene after publicly rejecting comparisons between contemporary superstar Wizkid and his late father Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, one of Africa’s most influential music icons. Seun’s remarks came during a recent livestream on Instagram, where he spoke passionately about what he sees as a misuse of his father’s legacy by some music fans.
Seun Kuti warned fans of Wizkid — popularly known as Wizkid FC — to stop referring to the singer as the modern-day Fela, saying it diminishes the cultural, political and historical significance of his father’s contribution to music and society.
In his own words, Seun Kuti said:
“Wizkid FC, keep Fela’s name out of your mouths. You try to claim that your fake artiste is the new Fela. When you saw that the shoes were too big to fill and people like me didn’t allow you to get away with those insults, you became uncomfortable. It is actually an insult to compare Wizkid to Fela.”
Seun didn’t stop there. He criticised what he described as a lack of respect and understanding among some fans, particularly those who link modern artists with his father’s legacy without recognising the distinct challenges, message and cultural impact that defined Fela’s own career.
“You people have no respect. If your lack of respect came from a place of defiance, I would respect it. But your lack of respect came from a place of ignorance.”
He also addressed how fan rivalries and online arguments have affected the Nigerian music industry, arguing that constant comparisons harm collaboration and unity among artists.
Seun labelled Wizkid’s fanbase in particularly strong terms and called on them to focus on enjoying the music they love without dragging Fela’s name into debates:
“Concentrate on your artiste. Can’t you enjoy your artiste without comparing it to something else? Do you know why you can’t enjoy your artiste’s music without comparisons? It’s because the music does not fill your spirit.”
Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s legacy extends far beyond the sound known as Afrobeat. His music was deeply rooted in political resistance, cultural emancipation, and social commentary, making his influence a touchstone not just for music but for several generations of activists and creatives in Africa and around the world.
The comments from Seun Kuti have reignited discussions on social media, with some fans defending his stance as protection of a historic legacy, while others argue that modern artists should be critiqued and celebrated on their own merits rather than through direct comparisons to music legends.
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