Femi Kuti, Grammy-nominated Afrobeat musician and first son of Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, has reacted to the recent controversy over the comparison of singer Wizkid to the late musical genius.
Newsunplug recalls that Wizkid sparked outrage after claiming he is “bigger” than Fela while responding to Seun Kuti’s criticisms of him and his fans over the comparison of the Ojuelegba crooner with the Afrobeat legend.
Speaking in a recent interview with Arise TV via Skype from Los Angeles, Femi said he wished the controversy didn’t come up because he has good relationships 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.
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 currently in Los Angeles where he is expected to receive Fela’s posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Grammy Awards ceremony this weekend.