Social media influencer and activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has accused Afrobeats superstar Wizkid of disrespecting late Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
In a viral video released on Thursday, VDM lamented what he described as Nigeria’s poor culture of honouring its music legends, noting that pioneers are often dismissed as “past glory” while being insulted or ignored when they speak on national or industry issues.
His comments come amid the ongoing feud between Wizkid and Seun Kuti over comparisons with Fela’s legacy.
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Calling out several Nigerian music veterans, including Eldee the Don, African China, Plantation Boiz, P-Square, Remedies, Tony Tetuila, Jazzman Olofin, 9ice, Vector, Sasha P, Asa, Weird MC, 2Face Idibia, and Blackface, VDM said such figures deserve admiration rather than ridicule.
“People you are supposed to idolise and respect are called ‘past glory’ in this country,” he said.
VDM criticised Wizkid’s reaction to the controversy, accusing him of making statements that encouraged fans to insult Fela Kuti. While acknowledging that disagreements are normal, he argued that Wizkid should have handled the situation with more restraint.
Addressing comparisons between Wizkid and Fela, especially those centred on Grammy Awards, VDM dismissed claims that Wizkid’s Grammy win places him above the Afrobeat icon.
He argued that Wizkid’s 2021 Grammy for Best Music Video, won as a featured artist on Beyoncé’s Brown Skin Girl, was largely influenced by Beyoncé rather than Wizkid’s solo artistry.
He further noted that Beyoncé herself has repeatedly celebrated Fela Kuti, recalling her performances and public praise of the late musician.
According to him, Fela’s Zombie was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2025, and the Afrobeat legend is also expected to receive a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award.
In contrast, VDM highlighted Burna Boy and Tems as Nigerian artists whose Grammy wins were based on individual musical contributions, citing Burna Boy’s Twice As Tall and Tems’ multiple Grammy awards.
Defending Fela against criticisms of his personal life, VDM questioned why figures like King Solomon are celebrated despite similar controversies, while Fela continues to face condemnation.
He insisted that Wizkid has not surpassed Fela Kuti musically or culturally, adding that the enduring influence of the Kuti dynasty, including Femi Kuti, Seun Kuti, and Made Kuti, remains unmatched by many contemporary artists.
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