The Nigerian music industry has been abuzz with a heated debate that has been making waves on social media and within music circles. The comparison between Afrobeats star Wizkid and the late Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti has sparked a lot of discussion, with many weighing in on the matter. However, according to veteran musician Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, these comparisons are not only “ridiculous” but also disrespectful.
In a recent appearance on the Mic On podcast, 2Baba shared his thoughts on the ongoing debate, emphasizing that placing Wizkid and Fela Kuti side by side undermines the legacy of the Afrobeat legend while also doing a disservice to Wizkid’s achievements. “Comparing Fela with Wizkid is ridiculous. Apart from the fact that it is disrespectful to Fela, and at the same time, it is also unfair to Wizkid,” he stated.
The renewed debate was triggered by a public exchange between Wizkid and Seun Kuti, Fela’s son, during which the singer reportedly claimed to be “bigger” than the Afrobeat legend. This comment sparked widespread reactions across social media and within the music industry, with many industry voices arguing that Fela occupies a unique place in history as the architect of Afrobeat and a cultural revolutionary whose influence transcends commercial success.
2Baba’s comments come at a time when Fela Kuti’s legacy is being celebrated globally. On January 31, 2026, the Afrobeat pioneer was posthumously honored with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, becoming the first African artist to receive the prestigious Special Merit Award. His children accepted the honor on his behalf during a ceremony in Los Angeles ahead of the 68th Grammy Awards.
According to 2Baba, both Wizkid and Fela Kuti belong to entirely different eras and creative environments, and their contributions to Nigerian music should be appreciated independently. “Comparing the two ignores the distinct contexts in which they created their work and the different roles they played in shaping music culture,” he argued.
The award-winning singer, who recently marked 25 years in the music industry, urged fans and critics to focus on celebrating individual legacies rather than engaging in comparisons that he described as unproductive. As one of Africa’s most influential artists, 2Baba’s comments carry significant weight, and his perspective on the matter is worth considering.
In conclusion, the comparison between Wizkid and Fela Kuti is a complex issue that requires a nuanced understanding of the different eras and creative environments in which they worked. Rather than pitting these two musical giants against each other, we should be celebrating their individual contributions to Nigerian music and the unique legacies they have left behind. As 2Baba so aptly put it, let us focus on appreciating their achievements independently and avoid engaging in unproductive comparisons that do a disservice to their memories and achievements.
