Veteran Nigerian singer, Innocent Idibia, better known as 2Baba, has dismissed comparisons between Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and contemporary star Wizkid, describing the debate as misplaced.
Speaking on the Mic On Podcast with Seun Okinbaloye, the music icon said the two artistes belong to different generations and should not be measured against each other.
2Baba noted that such comparisons fail to recognise the unique eras, styles and contributions of both musicians, stressing that each deserves to be appreciated on his own terms.
“It’s disrespectful to Fela, and at the same time unfair to Wizkid,” he said, emphasising that each should be recognised and appreciated for his own achievements.
He added that Fela remains an irreplaceable legend whose impact on music and social consciousness is unmatched, while Wizkid has carved out a powerful global presence and built an influential path in modern Afrobeats.
The debate gained attention after Fela’s son, Seun Kuti, criticised members of Wizkid’s fan base, known as Wizkid FC, for repeatedly comparing the singer to his father.
During a live Instagram session, Seun challenged the comparisons.
“Keep Fela’s name out of your mouths. Why must you find a way to bring Fela always into your discussions?” he said.
He also questioned what he described as a culture of constant comparison.
“You know why you cannot enjoy your artiste’s music without comparing it to something else? Because the music does not fulfil your spirits. That’s why you people look for extra drama always around the art.”
Tensions escalated after some members of Wizkid FC began referring to their favourite artiste as the “Biggest Bird,” a nickname similar to Seun’s long-standing moniker, Big Bird.
Addressing the issue during a January 14 livestream, Seun insisted the title had been his long before Wizkid adopted a similar phrase.
“Wizkid stole my name. Tell your fave to be original. Why are you telling me to change my name? Sorry, I can’t change it. This name has been here since. I am the first to come up with it.”
He further claimed that he had recently received financial benefits linked to his father’s legacy.
“I recently received about $120,000 simply because I am Fela’s son; it is not my work. My father died over 29 years ago. How many of your fathers from the grave can send you $120,000 from the grave?”
Wizkid later fired back at Seun in a series of Instagram Story posts.
“P***y boy @thenigbirdkuti ok i big pass your papa!!!wetin u one do? Fool at 40!”
He also wrote, “@bigbirdkuti I’m Big Wiz everyday bigger than your papa!! Wetin u one do fool?” and concluded with, “Hungry bastard.”
Seun reacted again, writing, “Just be yourself, short man. You are also great. You go delete now, You no get mind, who is the pussy now beech!!!”
The exchange between the two artistes and their supporters has since fuelled wider conversations online about generational differences in Nigerian music and the place of legends like Fela in modern comparisons.
