Nigerian media personality, Ifedayo Olarinde, popularly known as Daddy Freeze, has weighed in on the ongoing controversy involving the children of late Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, and music star Wizkid.
In a video commentary, the broadcaster reflected on Fela’s legacy, stressing that the iconic musician was far more than an entertainer, but a committed activist and freedom fighter.
According to Daddy Freeze, Wizkid should refrain from comparing himself to Fela unless he is prepared to embrace the kind of activism that defined the late Afrobeat pioneer’s life.
“Until Wizkid is ready to stand up and stone government, he shouldn’t compare himself to Fela,” he said.
He recalled Fela’s ordeals under military rule, noting that the musician’s activism came at great personal cost.
“Did you know that Fela was released from prison just to prevent him from dying there? They released him to go and die in his home because they knew his death would cause an uproar if he died in prison,” Daddy Freeze stated.
He added that the incident occurred in 1995, during his own university days, underscoring the seriousness of the persecution Fela faced.
“Fela was not a troublemaker; he was a freedom fighter. We are talking about music, but you cannot talk about Fela without talking about everything he stood for. His activism and his music went hand in hand. You can’t separate the two,” he said.
Daddy Freeze’s comments have further fuelled debate over comparisons between contemporary artists and Fela, whose legacy remains deeply rooted in both music and political activism.
Elijah Adeyemi
