Popular Afrobeats singer Ayodeji Balogun, known as Wizkid, and Afrobeat musician Seun Kuti have clashed on social media over allegations of disrespect to the legacy of the late Afrobeat icon, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
The dispute began after Seun Kuti criticised comparisons made by members of Wizkid’s fan base, known as Wizkid FC, who described the Grammy-winning singer as a modern equivalent of Fela, his late father.
Seun argued that such comparisons were disrespectful, stressing that Fela’s influence as a cultural and political revolutionary could not be measured by contemporary commercial success.
The comments quickly sparked heated debate online and drew reactions from fans and celebrities, including music producer DJ Tunez, with opinions sharply divided between those defending Fela’s legacy and others celebrating Wizkid’s global achievements.
Wizkid later reacted through a series of posts on Instagram Stories and X, where he fired back at Seun Kuti with personal insults and strong assertions about his standing in the music industry.
In the posts, the singer dismissed the criticism and suggested that his international success placed him above the controversy—remarks many interpreted as disrespectful to Fela himself.
Seun Kuti responded soon after, insisting that his comments were directed at fan behaviour rather than Wizkid personally. He accused the singer of missing the central point of the argument and reiterated that Fela’s name should not be used casually in fan rivalries, urging greater respect for Afrobeat history.
The exchange stretched over several days, with both artistes trading remarks as fans amplified the feud across social media platforms.
The controversy has since evolved into a broader national conversation about respect for musical pioneers, generational differences within the industry, and the influence of fan culture on celebrity disputes.
Observers say the clash underscores enduring tensions in Nigeria’s music scene between honouring historical icons and recognising the success of modern Afrobeats stars, highlighting the lasting relevance of Fela Kuti’s legacy in contemporary cultural discourse.
