2Baba shares his thoughts on the Wizkid vs Fela comparison

2Baba Slams Wizkid–Fela Comparisons, Calls Debate “Disrespectful”

Veteran Nigerian music legend Innocent “2Baba” Idibia has weighed in on the heated debate comparing Afrobeats superstar Wizkid to Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, describing the comparison as both ridiculous and disrespectful.

Speaking on the Mic On podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, the “African Queen” crooner argued that placing Wizkid and Fela side by side ignores the vastly different eras, missions, and legacies that define their careers.

According to 2Baba, such comparisons do a disservice to both artists — diminishing Fela’s historic impact while placing an unnecessary burden on Wizkid, who has already established himself as a dominant force in modern Afrobeats.

“Different Eras, Different Purposes”

2Baba stressed that Fela Kuti was more than just a musician. He described the late Afrobeat icon as a cultural and political force whose influence went far beyond entertainment.

He noted that Fela’s sacrifices and activism helped open global pathways that today’s African artists now benefit from, making his legacy unique and irreplaceable.

While defending Fela’s status, 2Baba also acknowledged Wizkid’s achievements, praising the singer’s influence and success within his own generation. He emphasised that greatness should be judged within proper context, not through forced generational matchups.

How the Controversy Started

The controversy began in January 2026 after Seun Kuti publicly criticised Wizkid’s fanbase for frequently invoking Fela’s name to validate the singer’s success.

Tensions escalated when Wizkid responded on social media, at one point claiming he was “bigger” than Fela a remark that sparked backlash from music purists and long-time fans of Afrobeat.

Kuti Family Reacts

Following the online uproar, members of the Kuti family, including Femi and Yeni Kuti, called for calm and urged fans to move on from what they described as an unproductive debate.

They reiterated that Fela’s revolutionary legacy exists in a space far removed from modern commercial achievements, and should not be used as a yardstick for contemporary artists.

Final Word

2Baba’s intervention brings a voice of balance to the ongoing argument, reminding fans that both Wizkid and Fela represent excellence in their respective eras but for entirely different reasons.

Rather than comparing them, he suggests, their contributions should be celebrated independently as pillars of Nigerian music history.