Wizkid Sparks Controversy by Declaring Superiority Over Fela Kuti in Social Media Feud
Afrobeats superstar Wizkid has set social media ablaze with a bold declaration that has escalated his ongoing clash with Seun Kuti, the youngest son of legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. The controversy erupted on 20 January 2026 when Wizkid took to his Instagram stories with a series of provocative posts directly addressing Seun, marking a significant escalation in tensions that have been simmering for years.
The Social Media Confrontation Unfolds
Wizkid, who had maintained relative silence during previous exchanges, unleashed a barrage of pointed remarks that quickly went viral. In now-deleted Instagram stories, the 35-year-old Grammy winner made several inflammatory statements, including: "@bigbirdkuti I'm Big Wiz everyday bigger than u do papa!! Wetin u one do f**l?" and "P***y boy @bigbirdkuti ok I big pass your papa!! Wetin u one do ? F**l at 40!" The singer further escalated matters by reposting a fan's video that contained harsh criticism of Seun and the Kuti family.
Seun Kuti, 43, responded swiftly on his own Instagram account, telling Wizkid: "Just be yourself short Man. you are also great," before labeling the Afrobeats star a b****h for deleting his earlier posts. This exchange represents the most direct confrontation between the two artists to date, moving beyond the previous fanbase-focused disagreements.
Roots of the Rivalry: Legacy and Respect
The current conflict stems from long-standing tensions between Seun Kuti and Wizkid's devoted fanbase, known as Wizkid FC. For years, Seun has accused these fans of disrespecting his father's legacy through comparisons that favor Wizkid's contemporary success over Fela's revolutionary impact. The situation intensified earlier this month when Seun labeled Wizkid FC "the most ignorant fanbase in the world" for what he perceived as attempts to appropriate Fela's image and legacy.
In videos circulated prior to Wizkid's recent outburst, Seun questioned Wizkid's loyalty to his fans, stating: "I've been insulting, cursing you out as Wizkid's fans for the past few days. Wizkid has said nothing or done nothing to protect you. ...That means he no send Una." He further emphasized Fela's enduring legacy by highlighting his father's Guinness World Record and 52-album discography.
Online Reactions and Divided Opinions
The internet has erupted with passionate responses to the feud, revealing deep divisions among Nigerian music fans. Supporters of Wizkid have praised his decision to finally respond directly, with one user commenting: "This is not the first time Seun Kuti will be dragging Wizkid unprovoked. He did the same thing few years ago, Wizkid chilled and acted like the bigger person. I love the way he didn't let it slide this time."
Others have criticized Wizkid's approach, particularly his decision to repost content perceived as disrespectful to Fela's memory. One concerned observer noted: "i can't believe wizkid reposted that video where that girl insulted the late legendary fela anikulpo kuti unprovoked. we all know what we're doing at the end of the day."
The debate extends beyond personal insults to fundamental questions about artistic legacy, with users weighing Fela's activist-driven Afrobeat against Wizkid's globally successful Afrobeats. As one commenter summarized: "No matter how you spin it, Wizkid is not greater than Fela." while another countered with: "Fela Kuti can't even stand King Sunny Ade's music achievements."
Historical Context of the Conflict
This confrontation represents the latest chapter in a rivalry dating back to at least 2021, when Seun Kuti downplayed Wizkid's contribution to the Grammy-winning collaboration "Brown Skin Girl" with Beyoncé. Over the years, the conflict has centered on competing narratives about musical influence and legacy, with Wizkid's fans pointing to his international achievements and sold-out arena shows, while Seun emphasizes his father's cultural and political impact beyond commercial success.
The recent disclosure that Seun received $120,000 in royalties from his father's estate 28 years after Fela's death has added another layer to the controversy, with some fans suggesting financial motivations behind Seun's continued engagement with Wizkid's fanbase.
Broader Implications for Nigerian Music
This high-profile clash highlights ongoing tensions within Nigeria's music industry between reverence for foundational artists like Fela Kuti and celebration of contemporary global success stories like Wizkid. The debate touches on fundamental questions about how musical legacies are measured and valued in an increasingly globalized entertainment landscape.
As the social media storm continues to generate reactions across platforms, the music community watches to see whether this confrontation will lead to reconciliation or further escalation. What remains clear is that the conversation about artistic legacy, respect for pioneers, and the nature of musical greatness continues to captivate audiences and spark passionate discussion across Nigeria and beyond.
