Seun Kuti Blasts Wizkid FC Over ‘New Fela’ Comparisons

The digital halls of Nigerian music culture erupted on Saturday as Grammy-nominated Afrobeat musician and activist, Seun Kuti, launched a scathing critique against the fanbase of superstar Wizkid. During a fiery Instagram livestream on January 10, 2026, the leader of the Egypt 80 band warned the “Wizkid FC” to desist from linking his late father, the legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, to modern-day pop stars. For the younger Kuti, the persistent online narrative crowning Wizkid as the “New Fela” is not just a reach—it is a profound historical insult.

Seun Kuti’s outrage centers on what he describes as a chronic lack of respect rooted in deep-seated ignorance. Addressing the overzealous fans directly, he asserted that while he respects defiance against authority, the current behavior of the fanbase stems from a failure to understand Fela’s political and cultural weight. He warned the “FC” to “keep Fela’s name out of your mouths,” arguing that the attempts to drape modern artists in his father’s legacy often collapse when fans realize the massive ideological shoes they are attempting to fill.

The singer did not mince words, labeling Wizkid FC as the “most ignorant fanbase in the world.” He lamented how toxic online rivalries have degraded the Nigerian music industry, claiming that the constant friction between fan camps has made it difficult for artists to collaborate freely. In Seun’s view, the obsession with comparison is a symptom of a deeper spiritual void, suggesting that if fans truly found fulfillment in the music they claim to love, they would feel no need to validate it by dragging the dead into petty social media battles.

Reflecting on the nature of art, Seun questioned why fans struggle to enjoy contemporary sounds on their own merit. He argued that truly impactful music should inspire reflection and calm, yet the current climate is one of constant drama and manufactured conflict. He insisted that Fela’s legacy, characterized by its radical resistance to oppression and Pan-African ideology, is fundamentally different from the commercial entertainment of today and should not be used as a bargaining chip in fan wars.

The controversy comes at a time of heightened activity in the Nigerian music scene, but Seun remains focused on protecting the sanctity of the Afrobeat name. Recalling past skirmishes with the same fanbase over Grammy nominations and musical pedigree, he made it clear that he would not be intimidated into silence. For the Kuti scion, the “New Fela” label is a misunderstanding of history, and he remains the self-appointed gatekeeper of a throne that he believes belongs to no one in the current pop era.

As the livestream concluded, Seun urged the youth to focus on meaningful engagement rather than the “petty discussions” that dominate the digital space. He maintained that while the family consistently supports the wider creative community through events like Felabration, they will not tolerate the use of Fela’s name to fuel social media toxicity. The message from the Kalakuta dynasty is clear: respect the pioneer, enjoy the music, and leave the legacy out of the “roforofo” fight.