Seun Kuti Tells Wizkid Fans to Stop Comparing Him to Fela

Grammy-nominated Afrobeat star Seun Kuti, son of the legendary Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, has issued a strong warning to Wizkid fans—also known as Wizkid FC—urging them to stop comparing the Ojuelegba crooner to his late father.

Speaking during a recent Instagram livestream, Seun Kuti described such comparisons as disrespectful and insulting to Fela’s legacy, emphasizing that no modern artist, however talented, should be called the “new Fela.”

“Wizkid FC, keep Fela’s name out of your mouths. You try to claim that your fake artiste is the new Fela… It is actually an insult,” he said. Kuti further criticized fans for letting ignorance overshadow appreciation, noting that some fan rivalries and overzealous comparisons have negatively affected the music industry, making collaborations between artists difficult.

He added, “Can’t you enjoy your artist’s music without comparing it to something else? You cannot enjoy it because the music does not fill your spirit. You pretend to enjoy it, but spiritually, you are not satisfied.”

Opinion: Respecting Legends While Celebrating New Talent

Seun Kuti’s comments highlight a wider issue in music fandoms, where idol worship and comparisons often overshadow genuine appreciation of an artist’s work. While Wizkid is undeniably a global Afrobeats icon, comparing him to Fela risks eroding the unique cultural and historical significance of Afrobeat’s pioneer.

Fans should celebrate each artist on their own merits, recognizing Wizkid for his innovation and global impact, while preserving Fela’s legendary contributions to music and activism. The beauty of Nigerian music lies in its rich diversity across generations, and learning to respect legacies while embracing modern talent is essential for the growth of the industry.

This is a gentle reminder: honoring the past doesn’t diminish the present—it makes the present shine even brighter.