The recent online clash between Afrobeats star Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, and Afrobeat singer Seun Kuti has reopened old conversations among music fans.
The debate centres on influence, legacy and how much of Fela’s spirit can still be heard in today’s sound.
As the exchange played out across social media, many listeners returned to Wizkid’s catalogue. They began placing it side by side with the works of the late Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Kuti.
Beyond the online argument, fans have pointed out that several of Wizkid’s records carry musical elements that feel familiar. Not copying, but similarities in rhythm, structure, mood and delivery that show how deeply Fela’s style still runs through contemporary music.
Here are five pairings that stand out.
Jaiye Jaiye (feat. Femi Kuti) and Lady
When Wizkid released Jaiye Jaiye featuring Femi Kuti in 2013, he made it clear the song was not his regular pop offering. Produced by Sarz, the record leaned towards reflection, gratitude and storytelling rather than club appeal.
Fela’s Lady, released in 1972, also followed that same path of message-driven music.
The lines, “If you call am woman, African woman no go gree… She go say, I be lady o,” show how Fela used music to deliver social commentary. Wizkid touched on a similar idea when he sang, “If you call am woman / African woman no go ‘gree (She go say ‘I be lady o’).”
Sweet Love by Wizkid and Shakara Oloje by Fela Kuti
Wizkid released Sweet Love in 2017 with a noticeably softer sound. The drums were minimal. The delivery was calm. The focus was groove, not noise.
“Toba ba oni shakara pade. Pa’shan toh ma fi na eh oh Oje loun jeh. Kilon se je, shakara olo’je ni,” Wizkid sings.
That same approach defines Shakara Oloje., with lyrics, “To ba b’oni shakara pade. Pasan to ma fi na e oje l’o nje. Ki lo’n se npe o. Shakara oloje ni”, show how Fela relied on repetition, rhythm and storytelling to drive his message. Both songs thrive on subtle rhythm rather than heavy production.
Joro and Zombie
Power of chant and repetition. Wizkid’s Joro, released in 2019, is built around chant-like hooks and repetitive structure. The song depends on rhythm and call-and-response patterns.
Fela’s Zombie, released in 1976, used that same musical approach. Chanting, repetition and rhythm carried the message. The lasting impact of Zombie was later recognised when the album was inducted into the 2025 Grammy Hall of Fame, underlining its cultural weight.
Wonder and Just Like That
Soft melodies with emotional pull. Wizkid released Wonder in 2014 as a follow-up to his Ayo album. The song leaned on melody and emotion rather than percussion, giving it a gentle and relaxed feel.
He sings, “Wonder wonder wonder ah Oh my sexy wonder ah. Pull me down make i no craze o.”
Fela’s Just Like That, released in 1989 on the Beasts of No Nation album, follows the same calm direction. The lyrics, Wonder wonder fulumenti. Wonder. Wonder wonder wonder .Wonder. Wonder fulumenti.”
Expensive Shit and Expensive Shit
Wizkid released Expensive Shit in 2015, with visuals shot in South Africa and directed by Sesan. The title itself is the sam from Fela’s Expensive Shit, released in 1975.
Fela’s version was rooted in political satire and social commentary. Wizkid’s version focused more on lifestyle and success. Different meanings, but the same title.
