Social media influencer and activist, VeryDarkMan, popularly known as VDM, has accused Afrobeat star Wizkid of disrespecting music legend Fela Kuti, as tensions continue over comments linked to the ongoing clash between Wizkid and Seun Kuti.
In a viral video released on Thursday, VDM said Nigeria is one of the few countries that fails to properly honour its music legends, noting that while other nations celebrate their great artistes, Nigerians often dismiss theirs as “past glory.”
The influencer lamented that many Nigerian music pioneers and veterans who speak out on national and industry issues are either ignored or openly insulted.
“People you are supposed to idolise and respect are called ‘past glory’ in this country,” he said, listing artistes such as Eldee the Don, African China, Plantation Boiz, Psquare, Remedies, Tony Tetuila, Jazzman Olofin, 9ice, Vector, Sasha P, Asa, Weird MC, 2Face Idibia and Blackface.
VeryDarkMan criticised Wizkid’s remarks, alleging that they encouraged his fans to insult Fela Kuti. He said that while disagreements are normal, the singer should have handled the situation more carefully.
He also addressed the ongoing comparisons between Wizkid and Fela Kuti, especially arguments centred on the Grammy Award, dismissing claims that Wizkid’s Grammy win places him above the late Afrobeat icon.
VDM argued that Wizkid’s Grammy was largely influenced by Beyoncé, rather than his solo artistry. Wizkid won a Grammy in 2021 for Best Music Video as a featured artiste on Beyoncé’s Brown Skin Girl, alongside Blue Ivy.
He noted that Beyoncé has repeatedly celebrated Fela Kuti, recalling how she once performed Zombie as a tribute and praised Fela in several interviews. According to him, Zombie was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2025, while Fela Kuti is also expected to receive a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award.
In contrast, VeryDarkMan singled out Burna Boy and Tems as Nigerian artistes whose Grammy wins were based purely on individual musical achievements. He cited Burna Boy’s Best Global Music Album award for Twice As Tall and Tems’ multiple Grammy honours as reflections of artistic merit.
The activist also defended Fela Kuti over criticisms of his personal life, particularly his multiple marriages, questioning why figures such as King Solomon are widely revered despite similar controversies.
VeryDarkMan insisted that Wizkid has not, musically or artistically, surpassed Fela Kuti or other members of the Kuti dynasty, including Femi Kuti, Seun Kuti and Made Kuti.
According to him, the Kuti family’s enduring influence on African music and global cultural discourse remains unmatched by many contemporary stars.
Elijah Adeyemi
