Afrobeat musician and activist Seun Kuti has launched a scathing critique against the fan base of Grammy-winning superstar Wizkid, accusing them of fostering a culture of online toxicity over meaningful social contribution.
A Call for Constructive Action Over Online Abuse
During an Instagram Live session on Tuesday, Seun directly addressed members of the massive fan community known as Wizkid FC. He questioned the value of perpetual online fan wars, arguing that genuine support for an artist should manifest in positive, real-world action rather than insults and "dragging and disrespect."
"Dragging and disrespect is your power," Seun stated, criticising the fan base for failing to leverage its considerable numbers and influence for constructive purposes. He challenged them to demonstrate their collective strength beyond the confines of social media arguments.
The ₦1 Billion Surulere School Challenge
Seun Kuti proposed a tangible project to redirect the fan base's energy. He noted that if Wizkid's followers, which he estimated at about one million people, each contributed ₦1,000, they could raise an impressive ₦1 billion.
He suggested this fund could be used to build a public school in Surulere, Lagos, and name it after Wizkid or his fan community. According to Seun, such a legacy project would elevate the artist's impact far more than any online debate. "You cannot come together to do something positive in the name of the young man," he lamented, emphasising that meaningful collective action is what truly immortalises an artiste.
Linking Fan Culture to Broader Societal Issues
Seun expanded his criticism beyond Wizkid FC, linking the behaviour to a problematic trend within Nigeria's broader entertainment culture. He observed that fan loyalty is increasingly morphing into hostility towards others, a trend he warned is negatively influencing young people and promoting division.
He pointed to a lack of proper guidance and values among some fans, stating that their conduct online reflects a poor understanding of respect, responsibility, and community. This commentary forms part of Seun's ongoing public stance against what he sees as shallow celebrity worship and toxic fan culture.
In recent weeks, he has also repeatedly spoken out against comparisons between contemporary Afrobeat stars and his late father, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, particularly rejecting the label of "New Fela" for any current artiste. Seun maintains that Fela's legacy, built on political resistance, social justice, and sacrifice, cannot be equated with mere popularity or awards.
While his remarks have sparked backlash, Seun insisted his criticism was not aimed at Wizkid (Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun) personally, but at a culture that mistakenly equates online noise with relevance and impact.
