By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Seun Kuti and Wizkid |
The ongoing social media war between Afrobeats superstar Wizkid and Seun Kuti has taken a serious turn, drawing a sharp rebuke from the matriarch of the Kuti dynasty, Yeni Kuti.
Speaking on TVC’s popular talk show, Your View, Yeni Kuti expressed her disappointment, stating that the public spat is no longer just about personal egos or the Kuti family name it is actively damaging Nigeria’s international reputation.
Yeni Kuti emphasized that while the singers are bickering over titles and legacies, they are failing to realize the weight of the icon they are discussing.
"The Nigerian reputation is suffering because we are now seen as people who don’t respect their icons," Yeni stated. "Fela has been dead for 27 years and you are still calling his name; that is just an answer to his greatness."
Addressing Wizkid directly, whom she affectionately called her "small friend," Yeni recalled his humble beginnings as a backup singer at Felabration. While expressing her love for the "Essence" singer, she admitted she wished he had de-escalated the situation sooner.
Yeni compared Nigeria’s music culture to that of Jamaica, noting the reverence shown to figures like Bob Marley. She argued that the constant infighting projects a fractured image of Nigeria to the world.
She argued that the feud "dirties" the country's image more than the Kuti name. She questioned why Nigerians cannot protect their legends the way other nations do. Yeni urged Nigerians to come together to caution such behavior rather than fuel it.
The backlash didn't stop with Yeni. Your View co-host Tope Mark-Odigie also weighed in, criticizing Wizkid for allowing fame to cloud his judgment. Mark-Odigie expressed shock at Wizkid’s recent Instagram claims that he is "bigger than Fela."
"When you are not well trained… you have allowed fame to get into your head," Mark-Odigie said. She warned that when a global star like Wizkid displays a lack of respect, it sets a dangerous precedent for his millions of followers.
The tension between the two camps has been brewing for weeks, centered on legacy and branding: January 10: Seun Kuti asked fans to stop calling Wizkid the "New Fela," calling the comparison disrespectful to his father's legacy. The "Big Bird" Dispute: Seun accused Wizkid of "stealing" the nickname "Big Bird," a moniker Seun claims to have used for years. The Escalation: Wizkid responded via Instagram Stories, dismissively stating he was "bigger than" the late Afrobeat pioneer.