Social media influencer and activist VeryDarkMan, popularly known as VDM, has accused Afrobeat star Wizkid of showing disrespect to the late music icon Fela Anikulapo Kuti, reigniting conversations about how Nigeria treats its cultural legends.
In a viral video released on Thursday, VDM argued that Nigeria stands out for failing to properly honour its great artistes. According to him, while other countries celebrate and preserve the legacies of their legends, Nigerians often dismiss theirs as “past glory.” He lamented that many music pioneers who speak out on national or industry issues are either insulted or ignored.
His comments come amid the ongoing public clash between Seun Kuti and Wizkid. VDM said Wizkid’s remarks had indirectly encouraged fans to insult Fela Kuti, stressing that disagreements are normal but should be handled with more maturity and respect.
VDM also addressed comparisons between Wizkid and Fela, particularly arguments centred on Grammy Awards. He dismissed claims that Wizkid’s Grammy win places him above the Afrobeat pioneer, arguing that the award was largely driven by Beyoncé’s influence rather than Wizkid’s solo artistry. Wizkid won a Grammy in 2021 as a featured artiste on Beyoncé’s Brown Skin Girl, alongside Blue Ivy.
Listing Nigerian music veterans such as Eldee the Don, African China, P-Square, Remedies, Tony Tetuila, 9ice, Vector, Asa, Weird MC, 2Face Idibia and Blackface, VDM said these are artistes who should be celebrated, not written off.
He contrasted Wizkid’s Grammy with what he described as “pure merit” wins by Burna Boy and Tems, citing Burna Boy’s Twice As Tall and Tems’ multiple awards as examples of individual artistic achievement.
VDM also defended Fela against criticisms of his personal life, questioning why figures like King Solomon are revered despite similar controversies. He pointed out that international stars like Beyoncé have consistently celebrated Fela, recalling her performances and public praise of the Afrobeat legend. He also noted that Zombie was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2025, with Fela expected to receive a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award.
According to VDM, Wizkid has not surpassed Fela or other members of the Kuti family—Femi, Seun and Made—whose influence on African music and global culture, he said, remains unmatched.
