Femi Kuti, son of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, has expressed disappointment over the recent comparisons between contemporary singer Wizkid and his late father.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Femi described the debate as unnecessary, noting that Nigeria is grappling with far more serious challenges that deserve public attention.
The controversy followed a claim by Wizkid that he was “bigger” than Fela, a comment that reportedly came after an exchange involving Seun Kuti.
Femi said he deliberately stayed out of the dispute, stressing that Fela’s legacy should not be subjected to comparisons.
“Wizkid is like a son to me, and Seun is my brother. I honestly wish the whole issue never happened, and I hope everyone calms down. Fela is our father, and every artiste respects him,” he said.
He highlighted Fela’s central role in shaping Nigeria’s music industry, describing him as a unique figure who should be honoured on his own terms.
“Fela is the musical and artistic template in Nigeria. He belongs in a category of his own and should be respected as such,” Femi added.
The musician also called on Nigerians to prioritise unity and nation-building, urging them to use the global recognition of Afrobeat to tackle issues such as corruption, insecurity, and tribalism.
“This recognition is good for Nigeria and Africa. We should channel it into building the country, strengthening the music industry, and working together,” he said.
Femi further observed that many of the societal problems his father addressed through music decades ago remain unresolved, noting, “Fela has been gone for 29 years, yet we are still talking about the same issues.”
