Faisal Salisu DambattaLAGOS, Nigeria — Grammy-nominated Afrobeat icon Femi Kuti has weighed in on the growing comparisons between his late father, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, and contemporary afrobeats superstar Wizkid, describing the debate as unnecessary and distracting.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Friday, Femi said he intentionally stayed away from the controversy, stressing that Nigeria has far more serious issues to contend with than celebrity comparisons.
His remarks follow days of heated social media exchanges sparked by arguments over Fela’s legacy and whether modern afrobeats stars should be likened to him. The debate drew widespread reactions from musicians, fans, and cultural commentators.
The controversy intensified after Seun Kuti, Fela’s youngest son, criticised attempts by Wizkid’s fan base—popularly known as FC—to portray the singer as the “new Fela.” During a live Instagram session, Seun accused fans of repeatedly dragging his father’s name into online music arguments.
He argued that comparing Wizkid to Fela diminishes the cultural, musical, and political impact the Afrobeat pioneer built over decades, insisting that Fela’s legacy stands in a category of its own.
The exchange later escalated into personal attacks, with Seun also addressing disputes over his long-standing nickname, Big Bird, and accusing Wizkid’s camp of fuelling the controversy rather than discouraging it. Seun maintained that his criticism was directed at fan culture, not Wizkid personally.
Wizkid later reacted by sharing a video of a woman criticising Seun’s conduct before making direct posts aimed at him on Instagram. Seun responded by referencing corporate tributes to Fela, noting that millions of naira had been spent to honour his father’s legacy.
Reacting to the situation, Femi Kuti said the comparisons should never have surfaced.
“Fela is our father, and I would say all the younger artists respect him,” he said. “I don’t think it’s an issue that should have been brought up. He’s the template of many things musically and artistically in Nigeria.”
He added that Fela should be treated as a singular figure in music history. “Fela should be put in a section of his own, and we should just idolise and respect him.”
Femi declined to take sides, citing his close relationship with both parties. “Seun is my brother, and Wizkid is like a son to me. I just wish it never came up. Hopefully, everyone will calm down very soon.”
He urged Nigerians—especially young people—to channel their energy into national development rather than divisive debates.
“Nigeria has been doing well at the Grammys lately, and that’s good for Africa and the country,” he said. “We should use this momentum to build our music industry and our nation. Tribalism and terrorism are real issues we should be focused on.”
Other members of the Kuti family have also spoken out. Yeni Kuti, Fela’s daughter, earlier warned that public feuds involving cultural icons damage Nigeria’s image.
“When two giants fight, it’s the ground that suffers,” she said on TVC’s Your View. “In this case, it’s Nigeria’s reputation that suffers. Fela started a genre. He is an icon. The fact that his name is still mentioned 27 years after his death speaks to his greatness.”
She added that she deliberately ignored some of the insults exchanged online, expressing affection for Wizkid and recalling his early days performing at the shrine during Felabration.
The debate comes as Fela Anikulapo-Kuti is set to receive a posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, becoming the first African artist to earn the honour.
Speaking on the recognition, Femi described the moment as deeply emotional, especially for those who witnessed Fela’s resistance against military dictatorship in the 1970s and 1980s.
The award, he said, reflects decades of effort by the Kuti family and the global Afrobeat community to preserve Fela’s legacy through music, scholarship, and cultural celebration.
“To receive one of the biggest awards in the world is incredibly special,” Femi said. “But this honour is not just for the family. Fela was a father to many. He was a voice for the voiceless.”
Reflecting on Nigeria’s ongoing challenges, Femi noted that many of the issues his father fought against remain unresolved.
“Nigeria should be the envy of the world,” he said. “It’s shameful that we are still struggling with basic infrastructure. What is so hard about making Nigeria great?”
