Nigerian music has long been a powerhouse on the global stage, with two towering figures recently sparking debate: Wizkid, the Afrobeats superstar, and Fela Anikulapo Kuti, the Afrobeat pioneer.
The debate centres on whether Wizkid is just as big as Fela or even bigger, particularly as many in his fanbase, Wizkid FC, refer to him as the “New Fela”.
Wizkid’s Global Rise
Wizkid, born Ayodeji Balogun, has redefined Afrobeats since his breakthrough in the 2010s. His 2014 track “Ojuelegba” marked a turning point, introducing the genre to global audiences.
Hits like “Essence” featuring Tems and collaborations with Drake and Beyoncé have amassed billions of streams.
Wizkid became the first African artist to surpass 10 billion Spotify streams in January 2026 and has won major awards, including Grammys, BETs, and MOBOs.
Fela Kuti’s Legacy
Fela Kuti, who died in 1997, invented Afrobeat in the 1970s by fusing highlife, jazz, and funk with political activism. His music protested corruption, colonialism, and oppression, leading to clashes with Nigeria’s military regime.
His legacy lives on through Felabration and global recognition, including Zombie being inducted into the 2025 Grammy Hall of Fame and a 2026 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Seun Kuti’s Reaction
The debate intensified when Seun Kuti criticised Wizkid’s fans for comparisons, labelling Wizkid the “New Fela.” He praised Wizkid’s talent but argued that such parallels disrespect Fela. Seun revealed receiving a recent $120,000 royalty payout from Fela’s estate 29 years after his death. He also challenged Wizkid’s fans to donate N1,000 each to build a school in Wizkid’s Lagos neighbourhood.
Different Eras, Different Roles
Wizkid pushes Afrobeats worldwide through visibility, access, and scale. Fela challenged power and reshaped how music spoke to society. Both figures matter, but they served different purposes and different moments.
Leave a comment