Veteran Nigerian singer Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has faulted comparisons between Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and contemporary star Wizkid.
Speaking on Mic On Podcast with Seun Okinbaloye, the music icon described the comparison as “ridiculous,” adding that it is both “disrespectful” to Fela’s legacy and “unfair” to Wizkid’s career.
According to 2Baba, placing both artistes side by side fails to consider their different eras, levels of impact and individual contributions to Nigerian music.
He noted that Fela remains an irreplaceable legend, while Wizkid has carved out a strong and influential path for himself in the industry.
“It’s disrespectful to Fela, and at the same time unfair to Wizkid,” he said, emphasising that each should be recognised and appreciated for his own achievements.
The controversy began after Fela’s son, Seun Kuti, criticised members of Wizkid’s fan base, Wizkid FC, for repeatedly likening the singer to his father.
“Keep Fela’s name out of your mouths. Why must you always find a way to bring Fela into your discussions?” he said.
He also questioned what he described as a culture of constant comparison.
“You know why you cannot enjoy your artiste’s music without comparing it to something else? Because the music does not fulfil your spirit. That’s why you people always look for extra drama around the art.”
The situation escalated after members of Wizkid FC referred to their idol as the “Biggest Bird,” a title similar to Seun’s long-standing nickname, Big Bird. Addressing the matter in a January 14 livestream, Seun insisted the name predated Wizkid’s usage.
“Wizkid stole my name. Tell your fave to be original. Why are you telling me to change my name? Sorry, I can’t change it. This name has been here since. I am the first to come up with it,” he said.
He further alleged that Wizkid benefited from the controversy rather than distancing himself from it.
In one of his posts, Seun referenced the financial benefits he claimed to have received due to his father’s legacy.
“I recently received about $120,000 simply because I am Fela’s son; it is not my work. My father died over 29 years ago. How many of your fathers can send you $120,000 from the grave?” he wrote.
Wizkid later responded on his Instagram story with direct remarks aimed at Seun.
“P***y boy @bigbirdkuti ok I big pass your papa!!! wetin you wan do? Fool at 40!” he wrote.
He added, “@bigbirdkuti I’m Big Wiz, everyday bigger than your papa!! Wetin you wan do, fool?” before concluding with, “Hungry bastard.”
Seun reacted again, writing, “Just be yourself, short man. You are also great. You will delete it now. You no get mind. Who is the pussy now, beech!!!”
As the exchange dominated social media, members of the Kuti family intervened. Speaking on her TVC talk show, Fela’s daughter, Yeni Kuti, urged restraint.
“When two giants fight, it’s the ground that suffers. In this situation, it’s Nigeria’s reputation that is suffering because we are now seen as people who do not respect our icons,” she said.
“Whichever way you look at it, he started a genre of music. He’s an icon. He has been dead for 27 years and we are still mentioning his name; that alone answers his greatness. Let us respect that.”
She added that she deliberately avoided responding to insults, noting her long-standing relationship with Wizkid.
“I love Wizkid a lot. He’s my small friend and we have come a long way. I remember when he was a backup singer at the shrine during Felabration.”
However, another daughter of Fela, Motunrayo Kuti, reacted strongly to Wizkid’s claim of being bigger than her father, making remarks that sparked further backlash online.
The feud triggered widespread commentary from entertainers, journalists and public figures.
Former senator Shehu Sani wrote on X, “Fela was a symbol of resistance against oppression and injustice. He survived imprisonment, torture and death in defence of his principles. He is incomparable with any artiste, living or dead.”
Charly Boy offered a balanced view, writing, “Different time, different battle, different kind of greatness. No be who big pass… na who touch your soul pass.” He added that Wizkid leads in fame, while Fela remains unmatched in activism.
Veteran journalist Kunle Bakare wrote on Facebook, “If Fela had been born in Europe, he would have been documented and celebrated like Mozart or Beethoven. He was one of the greatest composers and performers that ever lived.”
Wale Thompson also weighed in, stating that while Wizkid is a global Afrobeats superstar, Fela used music as a weapon against oppression.
“Fela walked so hard that other musicians could fly. That is why he has remained globally celebrated nearly three decades after his death,” he said.
