Nollywood actor Yomi Fabiyi has written an open letter to music star Wizkid, following his downplaying of Fela Kuti’s legacy.
Kemi Filani reported that Fela’s son, Seun, has criticised Wizkid’s fanbase, popularly known as Wizkid FC, accusing them of constantly dragging his late father’s name into online music debates. Seun insisted that calling any modern artist the “new Fela” showed ignorance about the depth of his father’s legacy.
Things escalated when Wizkid declared himself bigger than the late Afrobeat legend and questioned Seun’s right to inherit his father’s greatness.
In an open letter to Wizkid, Yomi told him not to be tempted to erase Fela’s image he tattooed. He admonished him to manage the storm, noting that Wizkid represents a revolution/history in Nigeria and Afrobeat music.
He noted how the Grammy winner has acknowledged and celebrated Fela more than millions of people and has spoken highly of him in a documentary.
Fabiyi told him to keep celebrating Fela and walk the path of honour and peace. He stated that Wizkid is a big star, a living legend, and a national asset, and that people hold both of them in high esteem.
“Dear Wizzy,
Please don’t be tempted to erase Fela’s image you tattooed. Manage this storm very well, mate. You unarguably represent a revolution/history in Nigeria and Afrobeat music.
Yes, aside from the fact that Late Legend, Fela, enjoys pioneer status, he represents a revolution, and his impact is felt in giving voice to the voiceless, fighting corruption, making sacrifices, and, indeed, in the democracy we now enjoy. His music is a movement.
You have acknowledged and celebrated Fela more than millions of us have. For a musician of your status to have graced several Felabrations means you have ensured you sustain Fela’s legacy. For a global music legend like you to have him tattooed on your skin and for you to speak highly of him in a recent documentary, etc., we understand your genuine opinion, and the situation should have been handled better.
Continue celebrating Fela and walk the path of honour and peace. You are a BIG STAR, a living legend, and a national asset, and we hold Legendary Fela Anikulapo and Ayo Balogun in high esteem. I can’t trade you both for anything. I don’t compare because comparison proves nothing.
May you live long and fulfil more dreams. Greater you, Wizzy”.
Last year, Wizkid had sparked debate online after declaring himself the ‘001’ of the music industry. He described himself as Big Wiz and the number 1 in the music industry.
In 2024, the award-winning singer while announcing his album, cautioned Nigerians against categorizing him as an Afrobeat artist and read the riot acts to Afrobeats lovers to avoid downloading his album. His statement didn’t sit well with many who slammed him for disrespecting the genre of music that paved the way for him.
Defending himself, Wizkid doubled down on his words as he explained his statement better, noting how he makes music not to be stereotyped or boxed. Telling Nigerians to educate themselves, he stated that though he is an African artist, he makes fine music and doesn’t want to be labeled as just an Afrobeat.