Entertainment
Fela, Wizkid should be celebrated for their achievements, not comparison – 2Baba
The controversy started after Fela’s son, Seun Kuti, criticised Wizkid fans for likening the contemporary star to his father.
Veteran Nigerian music icon Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has criticised ongoing comparisons between Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and contemporary star Wizkid, describing them as “ridiculous” and “disrespectful.”
Speaking on the Mic On Podcast with Seun Okinbaloye, 2Baba said such comparisons fail to recognise the distinct eras, impact, and contributions of both artistes.
“It’s disrespectful to Fela, and at the same time unfair to Wizkid,” he said, urging fans and the public to acknowledge each musician for his own achievements.
The debate escalated after Fela’s son, Seun Kuti, criticised Wizkid’s fan base, Wizkid FC, for frequently likening the singer to his late father.
In a live Instagram session, Seun told fans, “Keep Fela’s name out of your mouths. Why must you always bring Fela into your discussions?”
The dispute deepened when Wizkid responded with posts on Instagram, claiming to be “bigger” than Seun’s father, prompting further backlash from members of the Kuti family.
While Fela’s daughter Yeni Kuti urged restraint, noting that Nigeria’s reputation was at stake, another daughter, Motunrayo Kuti, sharply criticised Wizkid’s claim.
The feud has drawn commentary from prominent Nigerians. Former senator Shehu Sani described Fela as “incomparable with any artiste living or dead,” while entertainer Charly Boy highlighted the different battles each musician faced, noting, “Different time, different battle, different kind of greatness… Na who touch your soul pass.”
Veteran journalist Kunle Bakare compared Fela to classical European composers such as Mozart and Beethoven, underscoring the global significance of his work.
Wale Thompson emphasised that while Wizkid is a global Afrobeats superstar, Fela’s music challenged systemic oppression and remains unmatched in historical and cultural influence.
2Baba concluded that both musicians deserve recognition for their respective contributions, but insisted that comparing them directly is unfair and diminishes the legacies of both icons.
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