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By Seyi Babalola
Femi Kuti, a Grammy-nominated Afrobeat musician and the first son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, has responded to the recent controversy surrounding singer Wizkid’s reference to the late musical genius.
Wizkid sparked outrage when he claimed he is “bigger” than Fela in response to Seun Kuti’s criticism of him and his followers for comparing the Ojuelegba crooner to the Afrobeat superstar.
In a recent interview with Arise TV via Skype from Los Angeles, Femi expressed his wish that the dispute had not arisen because he has strong ties with his brother Seun Kuti and Wizkid, who are at the center of it.
He expressed regret over the controversy, describing it as a misplaced priority. He argued that younger artists and musicians in general should focus on demanding for better governance and not bringing up trivial issues.
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Femi, however, noted that Fela is in a league of his own and defies comparison with any other artiste.
He added that the late Afrobeat pioneer should be idolised and respected.
He said, “Fela is our father and all, even the younger artists respect him. The Fela vs Wizkid controversy is not an issue that should be brought up. Fela is the musical and artistic template in Nigeria.
“So, Fela should just be put in a sector of his own and we just idolise and respect him. I don’t want to go into Seun and Wizkid’s matter because Seun is my brother and Wizkid is like a son to me. I just wished it didn’t not arose.”
Femi Kuti is now in Los Angeles, where he is scheduled to accept Fela’s posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Grammy Awards ceremony this weekend.
