FULL REPORT | “I Am Bigger Than Fela Kuti” - Wizkid’s Explosive Claim

“I Am Bigger Than Fela Kuti” - Wizkid’s Explosive Claim

Summary: Nigerian superstar Wizkid recently ignited a storm of controversy by declaring himself “bigger than Fela Kuti” during a heated online exchange with Seun Kuti, son of the Afrobeat legend. The statement has sparked widespread debate about legacy, influence, and the evolution of Afrobeats.

The Origins of the Feud

The controversy began when Seun Kuti criticized Wizkid’s fanbase, popularly known as Wizkid FC, for comparing the Grammy-winning artist to his father, Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Seun argued that such comparisons were disrespectful and amounted to an attempt to appropriate Fela’s image and legacy. For nearly a week, Seun sustained his criticism, accusing Wizkid’s supporters of diminishing the cultural and political significance of Fela’s work.

Wizkid, who had remained silent initially, eventually responded with a series of fiery posts on Instagram Stories and X (formerly Twitter). In these posts, he used explicit language to insult Seun and declared himself “Big Wiz, everyday bigger than your papa.” He further mocked Seun’s online rants, contrasting Fela’s fight for freedom with what he described as Seun’s fight against fan clubs.

Wizkid’s Defense and Justification

In his response, Wizkid attempted to justify his position by highlighting his role in promoting Fela’s music to younger generations. He shared a video of a woman defending him, claiming that Wizkid had helped keep Fela’s legacy alive by introducing his work to new audiences. This defense, however, was overshadowed by the bluntness of his claim that he was “bigger than Fela.”

Public Reaction

The statement immediately polarized Nigerians and the wider Afrobeats community. Many condemned Wizkid’s remarks as arrogant and disrespectful, arguing that Fela’s contributions to music, activism, and African identity were unparalleled. Others, however, defended Wizkid, noting his global success, Grammy win, and role in bringing Afrobeats to international stages. The debate quickly trended across social media platforms, with hashtags and heated discussions dominating timelines.

Legacy Versus Stardom

At the heart of the controversy lies a deeper question: how should legacy be measured? Fela Kuti is celebrated not only for pioneering Afrobeat but also for his fearless activism against oppressive regimes in Nigeria. His music was a vehicle for political resistance and cultural pride. Wizkid, on the other hand, represents the globalization of Afrobeats, achieving commercial success, international recognition, and mainstream appeal.

While Wizkid’s claim of being “bigger” may hold weight in terms of global reach and commercial success, Fela’s legacy remains rooted in cultural revolution and political defiance. The clash between these two dimensions, activism versus stardom, underscores the generational shift in African music.

Let’s Take A Break

Wizkid’s declaration that he is “bigger than Fela Kuti” has become one of the most controversial statements in Nigerian music history. It highlights the tension between modern Afrobeats artists who dominate global charts and the foundational figures whose artistry was inseparable from political struggle. Whether seen as arrogance or confidence, Wizkid’s words have reignited conversations about the meaning of greatness in African music and the delicate balance between honoring legacy and celebrating contemporary success.