Wizkid vs Fela: Nigeria Has Bigger Problems to Fix – Femi Kuti
Afrobeat legend Femi Kuti has expressed deep dissatisfaction with the growing trend of comparing today’s Nigerian music stars to his late father, iconic Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. According to him, such arguments add little value and distract from far more pressing national concerns.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Femi made it clear that he has no interest in engaging in the debate, stressing that Nigeria’s challenges go well beyond entertainment rivalries.
“I wish it never came up. I’m not participating in it,” he said.
He went further to criticise the state of governance in the country, lamenting the lack of meaningful leadership and direction.
“The government doesn’t even know how to move people positively forward. It’s shameful.”
The renewed conversation was triggered by comments attributed to Afrobeat star Wizkid, who claimed superiority over Fela in a remark directed at Seun Kuti. Wizkid was quoted as saying, “ I big pass your papa.”
Not long after the controversy, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti received a posthumous nomination for a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, an honour that reignited discussions about his enduring impact on Nigerian and global music.
Reacting to this, Femi argued that his father’s legacy should not be measured against contemporary artistes. He described Fela as the bedrock of Nigeria’s music industry, whose influence transcends generational comparison.
“Fela is the template musically and artistically in Nigeria. He should be put in a sector of his own and respected,” he said.
While recognising the international success enjoyed by modern Afrobeat stars, Femi Kuti maintained that the emphasis should be on collaboration, unity and national development rather than competition.
He also expressed frustration that decades after Fela’s death, many of the societal problems his father sang about still persist.
“For 29 years, he has been gone, yet we are still discussing the same issues,” Femi said, noting that corruption, insecurity, tribalism and terrorism have only intensified.
Femi Kuti concluded by encouraging Nigerians, especially the youth, to harness the global spotlight on Nigerian music as a tool for nation building and social change.
“This recognition is good for Nigeria and Africa. We should use it to build the country, build our music industry, and come together,” he added.
