LAGOS – Afrobeat icon and Grammy nominee Femi Kuti has waded into the heated social media debate comparing his late father, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, with Afrobeats star Wizkid, declaring that the legend should be in a “sector of his own.”
Speaking on the controversy that has trended for days, Femi Kuti asserted that Fela serves as the foundational “musical and artistic template” for the Nigerian industry and should be idolised rather than pitted against contemporary artists.
“Fela should be put in a sector of his own, being idolised and respected,” Kuti stated. “This matter should not have arisen; we should be focused on how to save Nigeria.”
The debate erupted as fans compared Wizkid’s global streaming dominance and commercial accolades to Fela’s pioneering influence and political activism. Femi Kuti, however, argued that Fela’s legacy transcends entertainment metrics, serving as a tool for social resistance and African identity.
The legend’s sister, Yeni Kuti, has echoed similar sentiments, frequently warning against the dilution of Fela’s legacy through modern comparisons. While Wizkid has consistently paid homage to the Abami Eda through his style and samples, the Kuti family maintains that the Afrobeat pioneer remains an incomparable figure in global music history.
Kuti concluded by urging Nigerians to redirect their energy toward national issues, noting that while music is a source of pride, the core message of Fela’s work—accountability and justice—remains unfinished business in the country.
Will the Nigerian music industry finally adopt a “No-Fly Zone” regarding Fela comparisons, or will the digital age continue to spark clashes between legends and modern-day icons?
