Yeni Kuti, the first child of late Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti, has finally reacted to the online clash between Nigerian music star Wizkid and her brother, Seun Kuti, calling for peace and unity amid the controversy.
Recall that Seun Kuti recently engaged in a heated online exchange with Wizkid’s fanbase, Wizkid FC, after fans compared the global influence and legacy of the Grammy-winning singer with that of his late father, Fela Kuti. The confrontation escalated when Seun dared Wizkid to intervene and restrain his fans.
Breaking his silence in defence of his supporters, Wizkid responded by telling Seun that he was “bigger than your father” and challenged him to do his worst. The comment sparked widespread outrage online, with many Nigerians criticising Wizkid for disrespecting the late Afrobeat legend, while others blamed Seun for provoking the singer.
The controversy triggered intense debates on social media about the legacies and cultural impact of both Wizkid and Fela Kuti, drawing reactions from celebrities and members of the Kuti family.
However, speaking on TVC’s ‘Your View’ programme on Thursday, Yeni Kuti distanced herself from the feud, revealing that she chose not to engage because of her close personal relationship with Wizkid.
Describing the singer as a longtime friend, Yeni said she holds Wizkid in high regard and urged Nigerians to focus on celebrating Fela’s legacy rather than fueling division.
“I love Wizkid a lot. Wizkid is my padi,” she said. “When two giants fight, it’s the grass that suffers. I refused to enter the insults because I love Wizkid. We have come a long way together. When we started the shrine, he was a backup singer during Felabration.”
She added that although she wished Wizkid had intervened earlier to calm tensions, the public should prioritise unity, especially as Nigeria prepares to celebrate Fela’s legacy on a global stage.
“Let’s mend fences. We are one people. We are about to go and celebrate our icon at the Grammys, and this fight doesn’t help anyone. It’s not the assurance of the Fela family you are denting; it’s Nigeria as a whole,” she said.
Yeni further emphasised Fela Kuti’s enduring greatness, noting that his continued relevance decades after his death is proof of his iconic status.
“Fela has been dead for 27 years, and people are still calling his name. That alone answers his greatness. Let’s respect that. Fight yourselves that are alive and leave the man who has done his own and gone,” she concluded.
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