Social media influencer and activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has accused Afrobeats star Wizkid of showing disrespect to late music icon Fela Anikulapo Kuti.
In a video shared on Thursday that has since gone viral, VDM argued that Nigeria is one of the few countries that fails to properly honour its music legends. He claimed that while other nations celebrate their cultural pioneers, Nigerian icons are often dismissed as “past glory.”
According to him, veteran musicians who speak out on social or industry-related issues are frequently ignored or subjected to ridicule. His remarks come amid the ongoing public clash between Wizkid and Fela’s son, Seun Kuti.
VDM listed several Nigerian music pioneers, including Eldee the Don, African China, Plantation Boiz, P-Square, Remedies, Tony Tetuila, Jazzman Olofin, 9ice, Vector, Sasha P, Asa, Weird MC, 2Baba Idibia and Blackface, stressing that these figures deserve admiration rather than dismissal.
“People you are supposed to idolise and respect are called ‘past glory’ in this country,” he said.
The activist further criticised Wizkid’s alleged remarks, claiming they encouraged fans to insult Fela Kuti. While acknowledging that disagreements are normal, VDM argued that Wizkid should have approached the situation with more restraint.
Addressing comparisons between Wizkid and Fela Kuti, particularly those centred on Grammy Awards, VDM rejected claims that Wizkid’s Grammy win places him above the Afrobeat pioneer. He argued that the award was largely influenced by Beyoncé rather than Wizkid’s individual artistry.
Wizkid won a Grammy in 2021 as a featured artiste on Beyoncé’s Brown Skin Girl, which won Best Music Video and also featured Blue Ivy.
VDM pointed out that Beyoncé herself has consistently celebrated Fela Kuti, recalling her past performances and interviews in which she praised the late musician. He also noted that Fela’s song Zombie was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2025, and that the Afrobeat legend is expected to receive a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award.
In contrast, VDM highlighted Burna Boy and Tems as Nigerian artistes whose Grammy wins, according to him, were based on individual creative contributions. He referenced Burna Boy’s Twice As Tall win for Best Global Music Album and Tems’ multiple Grammy recognitions.
The influencer also defended Fela Kuti against criticisms of his personal life, particularly his multiple marriages, questioning why historical figures such as King Solomon remain widely revered despite similar controversies.
VDM concluded that Wizkid has not surpassed Fela Kuti musically or culturally, nor other members of the Kuti family, including Femi Kuti, Seun Kuti and Made Kuti. He maintained that the Kuti dynasty’s influence on African music and global cultural discourse remains unmatched by many contemporary stars.
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