“You’re Dirtying Nigeria, Not Fela’s Family” Activist Yeni Kuti’s Direct Message to Singer Wizkid

January 22,2026 Yeni Kuti, the late daughter to Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti has publicly called out singer Wizkid following a heated online exchange involving the legacy of her late father, Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti with her brother Seun Kuti that lasted over a week now reacting strongly, Yeni dismissed the singer’s comments as disrespectful and unnecessary.

“Let me clear this once and for all,” Yeni Kuti said while addressing the misunderstanding involving her brother. “Wizkid is my friend. This is someone who has stood by me and even backed up music for me in the past. So it’s painful to see things escalate this way over a misunderstanding.”

She added, “When two giants are fighting, it is the ground that suffers. This situation doesn’t help anyone neither Wizkid, nor my brother, nor the legacy we are all trying to protect. Conversations could have been handled better, with more respect and less heat.”

Yeni stressed that the issue was never about hatred or disrespect, saying, “I believe in dialogue and understanding. We are all humans, and emotions can run high, but we must remember who we are and what we represent.”

In her words, Yeni Kuti said:
“You are not insulting Fela’s family. You are only dirtying Nigeria and disgracing yourself. Fela’s legacy is bigger than any artist alive today.”

She added that Fela’s family has endured decades of criticism, attacks, and controversy, yet the legacy of Afrobeat and Fela’s activism remains untouched.

What Led to the singer Wizkid vs Fela’s Family Clash

The controversy began after the musician made dismissive remarks online about Fela’s family while reacting to criticism surrounding his actions and public conduct.

His comments were widely interpreted as dragging Fela’s name and family into an unrelated issue, which sparked outrage among fans of Afrobeat and cultural commentators.

The musician reportedly implied that Fela’s family was “living off past glory,” a statement that did not sit well with members of the Kuti household. Screenshots of the exchange circulated rapidly on social media, drawing reactions from musicians, activists, and fans.

Yeni Kuti swiftly responded, describing Wizkid’s remarks as “ignorant” and “deeply disrespectful,” stressing that Fela’s impact on music, politics, and African consciousness cannot be reduced to social media banter.

Fela’s Family Reacts to the War of Words

Other members of the Kuti family also weighed in, making it clear that they would not tolerate attempts to belittle Fela’s legacy. A family source stated:

“Fela fought for this country when many people were silent. His children will not allow his name to be dragged for clout or online relevance.”

The family emphasized that they are focused on preserving Afrobeat history, running the New Afrika Shrine, and educating younger generations about Fela’s ideology, not engaging in celebrity feuds.

Who Are the Kuti Family

The Kuti family is one of Nigeria’s most influential cultural families. Led by the legacy of Fela Anikulapo Kuti, the family has remained central to Afrobeat music, political activism, and social commentary in Nigeria. Members like Femi Kuti and Seun Kuti have continued Fela’s musical and activist traditions, while others manage cultural institutions linked to his name.

Yeni Kuti

Yeni Kuti is a dancer, cultural activist, and one of Fela’s daughters. She is also the Director of the New Afrika Shrine in Lagos and a vocal defender of her father’s legacy. Known for her bold personality, Yeni often speaks out on issues of culture, respect for history, and African identity.

Who Is Wizkid?

Wizkid (Ayodeji Balogun) is an internationally acclaimed Nigerian singer and songwriter. Rising to fame with his debut album Superstar, Wizkid has become one of Africa’s biggest global music exports, known for hits, awards, and collaborations with international stars. While admired for his talent, he has also courted controversy due to his outspoken nature on social media.

Seun Kuti’s Profile

Seun Kuti is a Nigerian musician, songwriter, and activist, best known as the youngest son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Born in January 1983, Seun grew up immersed in music and political consciousness, following in his father’s footsteps.

He is the leader of Egypt 80, the legendary band originally formed by Fela, and has continued to use Afrobeat as a tool for social commentary, addressing issues such as bad governance, inequality, and African liberation.

Over the years, Seun Kuti has built a reputation as a bold, outspoken artist who fiercely protects his father’s legacy while pushing Afrobeat to new global audiences.

Mixed Reactions Trail Wizkid–Kuti Family Clash
The public exchange between Wizkid and Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s family has continued to spark intense debate online, with Nigerians and music lovers sharply divided.

While some rallied behind the Kuti family in defence of Fela’s legacy, others accused them of overreacting, insisting Wizkid was being unfairly attacked.
Support for Fela’s Family: “Legacy Must Be Respected”

Many social media users stood firmly with Yeni Kuti and the Kuti family, stressing that Fela’s contributions to music and activism deserve respect across generations.
One X (formerly Twitter) user wrote:
“You can be talented and still be disrespectful. Wizkid crossed a line mentioning Fela’s family. Some legacies are not for clout.”

Another supporter added:
“Fela fought for Nigeria when it wasn’t convenient. His children have every right to defend his name.”

Some critics of Wizkid argued that fame should come with responsibility, noting that comparing modern Afrobeats success to Fela’s revolutionary impact was “tone-deaf” and historically ignorant.
Support for Wizkid: “He Didn’t Lie”

On the other side, Wizkid’s fans popularly known as FCs defended the singer fiercely, insisting his comments were taken out of context.

A Wizkid supporter commented:
“Wizkid didn’t insult Fela. He only spoke his truth. People are too emotional and twist his words.”

Another wrote:
“You can respect Fela and still criticize his family. Wizkid is allowed to express himself.”

Some argued that the Kuti family often reacted strongly to criticism and accused them of leveraging Fela’s name to silence opposing opinions.

Neutral Voices: Calling for Calm
Amid the heated arguments, a group of observers called for restraint from both sides, urging Nigerians to avoid turning cultural conversations into personal attacks.

A commentator noted:
“This shouldn’t be Wizkid vs Fela’s family. It should be a conversation about respecting history while allowing new voices to exist.”

Others warned that such public feuds only deepen generational divides within Nigeria’s music industry.

However, the clash between Wizkid and Fela’s family highlights the sensitivity surrounding cultural legacies in Nigeria. While Wizkid remains a dominant force in modern Afrobeats, the Kuti family stands firm in protecting the heritage of Afrobeat’s founder. As Yeni Kuti bluntly put it, attacking Fela’s family does nothing to erase history; it only fuels debate about respect, legacy, and responsibility in the Nigerian music industry.

Like Our Story ? Donate to Support Us, Click Here

You want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity/live coverage for product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +16477721660 or email Adebaconnector@gmail.com