Afrobeat musician Seun Kuti has expressed disapproval of Nigerian pop star Wizkid’s fanbase, after repeated comparisons of Wizkid to Seun’s late father, Fela Anikulapo Kuti.
The controversy came to the forefront on Saturday, January 10, 2026, when Seun posted a video on Instagram addressing the issue, which quickly went viral across social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter).
In the video, Seun directly confronted Wizkid fans, accusing them of disrespecting Fela’s legacy and failing to understand the roots of Afrobeat.
He emphasised that Fela’s music was not merely entertainment, but a political and cultural movement that challenged societal norms, corruption, and oppression in Nigeria.
According to Seun, equating modern commercial success with Fela’s revolutionary contributions is a serious misunderstanding of history.
He criticised the fanbase, calling them “ignorant” and asserting that they were spiritually unfulfilled, explaining that their comparisons arose because they could not find genuine satisfaction in the music they claim to admire.
“Wizkid FC needs to keep Fela’s name out of their mouths. You try to steal the man’s image.
”You try to claim your fake artist is the new Fela. It’s an insult,” Seun stated.
He elaborated that fans often look to elevate contemporary stars through comparisons as a way to justify their fandom, rather than appreciating each artist’s unique contributions.
Seun also explained that Fela Kuti’s impact extended beyond music into activism, political resistance, and cultural expression, a legacy he argued cannot be replicated or equaled by modern commercial artists.
He stressed that Fela’s pioneering role in shaping Afrobeat, creating a distinctive sound, and using music as a tool for social and political commentary sets him apart historically.
The remarks generated significant reactions online. Some of Wizkid’s fans dismissed Seun’s comments, arguing that the comparisons were harmless or nonexistent, while others defended Wizkid, highlighting his international success, sold-out stadium shows, and Grammy recognitions.
Comments on social media varied from defending Fela’s unique historical role to asserting that Wizkid’s influence in contemporary music could rival his father’s global reach.
This episode is part of a broader, long-standing discussion in Nigerian music about the tension between preserving revolutionary musical legacies and celebrating the achievements of contemporary stars on global platforms.
Seun Kuti’s criticism underscores the importance of understanding cultural context and historical impact when making comparisons between artists of different generations.
By taking a firm stance, Seun has reignited the debate over what it means to honour Afrobeat’s history while engaging with modern interpretations and commercial success, highlighting a generational divide in the appreciation of Nigerian music.
