Seun Kuti Claps Back at Daddy Freeze Over Father's Legacy
Afrobeat musician Seun Kuti has delivered a fiery response to media personality Daddy Freeze, firmly rejecting any suggestions about how he should handle his late father Fela Anikulapo-Kuti's legacy. The heated exchange unfolded during an Instagram live session on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, marking another chapter in Nigeria's ongoing celebrity discourse.
The Origin of the Controversy
The conflict traces its roots to earlier disputes in January when fans of Grammy-winning artist Wizkid claimed their idol had surpassed Fela Kuti's influence in global music. Seun Kuti, known for vigorously defending his father's contributions to Afrobeat and activism, responded with multiple videos that ignited widespread online debates. This prompted Daddy Freeze to intervene with counsel about protecting Fela's image.
Seun's Emotional Defense
In his passionate response, Seun Kuti emphasized the deeply personal nature of his relationship with his father. "Oga, I don't drag your father with you. You father your father in your house. Nobody comes to drag him with you," Seun declared during the live session. "I cannot tell you how to protect your father. I cannot tell you how to feel about your father, Freeze. And I'm saying this live because you sef fall my hand live."
The musician made it clear that while he would never disgrace Fela's memory, he believes his father would not have remained silent if someone claimed another artist was greater than him. Seun also pointed out that insults directed at Fela did not begin with recent events, noting that critics have repeatedly disrespected the Afrobeat pioneer for years while many chose to stay silent.
Daddy Freeze's Original Position
Daddy Freeze had previously urged Seun to rise above the rivalry with Wizkid's fans, describing the late Fela Kuti as "everybody's papa" in Nigeria's music heritage. The media personality suggested that Seun should avoid actions that might drag Fela's legacy into online disputes, advocating for a more measured approach to protecting the icon's image.
Netizens React to the Exchange
The online community has responded with diverse opinions about the controversy:
- @callmedamy commented: "Your papa na God wey they no fit compare to person…even God some mumu still say him no dey exist so what is a clown like you saying??"
- @ericfigo observed: "Joblessness… can a thousand people not build their legacies and be celebrated on their legacies? Why the comparison in greatness as if one should be less than the other."
- @hrh_kingdiamond wrote: "Nobody insulted Fela till you crossed the line. Wiz has always idolised your father but you decided to drags him and his fans for days."
- @chef_smalz reacted: "Channel this energy into building your own legacy and leave your father's own alone. Wiz is a legend and will be remembered just like your father."
- @sonussound offered perspective: "Do u know the level of trauma Fela's kids endured seeing their father beaten brutalised their grandmother thrown from balcony killed all to free the people."
Background: The Wizkid Connection
Earlier in the month, Seun Kuti had slammed Wizkid directly, calling him "the biggest clout chaser in the world" and demanding he remove his Fela tattoo if he couldn't respect the late legend's legacy. Seun accused the superstar of hypocrisy, arguing it was contradictory to carry Fela's image while allowing fans to insult the icon online. According to Seun, Wizkid's tribute lacked genuineness, prompting his strong reaction.
This ongoing exchange highlights the complex dynamics of legacy protection in Nigeria's entertainment industry, where personal relationships intersect with public perception and historical significance. The debate continues to spark conversations about appropriate ways to honor cultural icons while navigating modern digital controversies.
