Media personality Daddy Freeze has weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding the legacy of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, urging his son, Seun Kuti, to ensure the late icon’s name is not drawn into avoidable controversies.
Daddy Freeze made the call while reacting to the online exchange between Seun Kuti and Afrobeats star Wizkid, which followed public comparisons linking Wizkid to the late Fela.
The conversation has sparked intense reactions on social media, reopening discussions about who can be likened to the legendary musician.
In a video shared online, Daddy Freeze stressed that Fela’s legacy goes beyond his biological family, describing the late singer as a cultural symbol owned by Nigerians and Africans alike.
“Seun Kuti, I love you, you’re my brother,” he said. “But whatever you do, remember that Fela does not belong to you alone. All of us own Fela. Please don’t do anything that will make people insult or drag Fela’s name.”
He added that Fela’s influence cuts across generations and music genres, noting that the Afrobeat icon remains a father figure to many, including contemporary stars.
“Fela is everybody’s father — even Wizkid’s,” Daddy Freeze stated.
The exchange between Seun Kuti and Wizkid had drawn widespread attention after comments comparing modern Afrobeats stars to Fela reignited long-standing debates about legacy, influence, and originality in Nigerian music.
Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, who died in 1997, is globally celebrated for his revolutionary music, political activism, and outspoken criticism of injustice. Decades after his death, his work continues to shape African music and political consciousness worldwide.
Daddy Freeze’s remarks have since generated mixed reactions online, with many social media users agreeing that Fela’s legacy represents a shared cultural heritage that should be preserved beyond personal or generational disputes.
