Musician Dede Mabiaku has weighed in on the public discussion over comparisons between the late Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and singer Wizkid.
In an interview on Arise TV, Mabiaku, a saxophonist, composer and arranger who played with Fela and opened shows for him, said many people do not fully understand Fela’s work and influence, stressing that comparing him with Wizkid is misplaced.
“We did not uncover many of Fela’s greatness,” Mabiaku said, adding that there are “no parameters” for comparing the two artists.
He spoke about Fela’s disciplined creative routine, noting that the late musician spent much of his time writing and composing. Mabiaku also shared how Fela often dressed simply at home, saying: “He wanted his skin to breathe… This is a man who lived like a monk.”
His comments come amid a debate that began after Seun Kuti, Fela’s son and bandleader, criticised some fans of Wizkid for what he described as disrespectful comparisons to his father’s legacy. The exchange later escalated after Wizkid posted on social media that he was greater than Fela, drawing strong reactions across the entertainment space.
Other members of the Kuti family have also reacted. Kunle Kuti said he did not support the comparisons and described the debate as upsetting, while Yeni Kuti said she was staying away from the exchange because of its hostile tone.
Media personality Daddy Freeze also weighed in, saying Fela’s legacy extended beyond music and that comparing Wizkid to Fela was not appropriate, citing Fela’s role as an activist and critic of government actions.
Amid the controversy, past interviews of Wizkid resurfaced in which he spoke respectfully about Fela, describing the Afrobeat pioneer as a major influence and warning against comparisons. In one of the clips, he said: “We can’t compare… Fela is like someone that inspires me,” adding that he has Fela’s image tattooed on his body.
Fela Anikulapo Kuti, who died in 1997, is widely regarded as the founder of Afrobeat and was known for using his music to challenge military rule and social injustice in Nigeria. His work blended jazz, funk, highlife and traditional African rhythms and continues to influence African and global music.
