‘Blatant Disrespect’ – VDM Stands Up For Fela As Wizkid–Seun Kuti Feud Intensifies

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Social media personality and activist, Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has accused Nigerian music star Wizkid of showing disrespect to the late Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

VDM made this allegation in a series of viral videos released on Thursday, as tensions continued to rise between Wizkid and Fela’s son, Seun Kuti, in an ongoing public dispute.

In one of the clips, VDM alleged that Wizkid had sampled Fela’s iconic track, Zombie, and also incorporated Fela’s trademark “yeh yeh” vocal expressions into his own music. He further accused the Grammy-winning singer of borrowing lyrics from his 2011 hit Holla At Your Boy, claiming the lines were originally lifted from an older song titled Seven by the music group GIRLS.

According to VDM, these actions amount to a clear lack of respect for the enduring legacy of the Afrobeat pioneer.

‘Nigeria Fails To Celebrate Its Icons’

In another online post, VDM expressed disappointment over what he described as Nigeria’s persistent neglect of its music legends. He argued that unlike other nations that honour their cultural heroes, Nigerian pioneers are often labelled as outdated and irrelevant.

“Those who deserve admiration and respect are casually dismissed as ‘past glory’ in this country,” he said.

VDM mentioned several veteran artistes, 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, noting that many of them are routinely ignored or attacked whenever they share opinions on national or industry-related matters.

He also criticised Wizkid’s remarks, alleging that they had emboldened some fans to direct insults at the late Fela Kuti. While acknowledging that disagreements are normal in the entertainment industry, VDM stressed that Wizkid should have approached the situation with greater maturity and respect.

According to him, the controversy has gone beyond personal rivalry and now represents an affront to a revered national figure.

Addressing ongoing comparisons between Wizkid and Fela, particularly debates centred on Grammy Awards, VDM rejected claims that Wizkid’s Grammy win places him above the Afrobeat icon. He maintained that Wizkid’s Grammy recognition was significantly influenced by American superstar Beyoncé, rather than solely by Wizkid’s personal artistic efforts.

Wizkid earned a Grammy Award in 2021 for Best Music Video as a featured performer on Beyoncé’s Brown Skin Girl, alongside her daughter, Blue Ivy.

VDM further noted that Beyoncé herself has consistently paid tribute to Fela Kuti, recalling her performance of Zombie in his honour and her frequent praise of his influence in interviews. He added that Zombie was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2025 and that Fela is expected to receive a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award.

Burna Boy, Tems Recognised On Pure Merit

In contrast, VDM singled out Burna Boy and Tems as Nigerian artistes whose Grammy achievements, he said, were earned strictly on the strength of their individual creativity and musical excellence.

He cited Burna Boy’s Best Global Music Album win for Twice As Tall and Tems’ multiple Grammy honours as examples of recognitions driven purely by talent and originality.

The activist also defended Fela Kuti against criticisms of his personal lifestyle, particularly his multiple marriages. He questioned why figures like King Solomon remain widely celebrated despite similar controversies, while Fela continues to face persistent scrutiny.

VDM concluded by asserting that Wizkid has not surpassed Fela Kuti, musically or artistically, nor other members of the renowned Kuti family, including Femi Kuti, Seun Kuti and Made Kuti.

According to him, the Kuti dynasty’s profound impact on African music, culture and global consciousness remains unmatched by many modern-day stars.