VeryDarkMan, the social media influencer and activist, who is also known as VDM, has accused Afrobeat star Wizkid of showing disrespect to music legend Fela Kuti.
In a viral video released on Thursday, VDM stated that Nigeria is the only county that do not recognize music legends, stating that while other countries honors great artists, Nigerians disregard theirs as “past glory”.
He further went ahead to say that some Nigerian music pioneers and veterans who voice out their concerns on national and industry issues are either insulted or ignored.
His comments came amid the ongoing clash between Seun Kuti and Wizkid.
Calling names like Eldee the Don, African China, Plantation Boiz, Psquare, Remedies, Tony Tetuila, Jazzman Olofin, 9ice, Vector, Sasha P, Asa, Weird MC, 2Face Idibia and Blackface, he said, “People you are supposed to idolise and respect are called ‘past glory’ in this country.”
The social media influencer and activist further criticized Wizkid’s comments, saying they caused his fabs to insult Fela.
He claimed that although disagreements are normal, Wizkid should have handled the situation better.
He address the ongoing comparisons between Wizkid and Fela Kuti, especially arguments centred on the Grammy Award.
He dismissed claims that Wizkid’s Grammy win places him above the late Afrobeat icon.
VeryDarkMan argued that the award was largely influenced by Beyoncé, not Wizkid’s solo artistry. According to VDM, because of this, Wizkid’s Grammy award is not a ‘real Grammy’.
Recall that Wizkid had won a Grammy in 2021 for Best Music Video as a featured artiste on Beyoncé’s Brown Skin Girl, alongside Blue Ivy.
VDM pointed out that international music superstar, Beyoncé, has repeatedly celebrated the late Afrobeat pioneer 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 contributions.
He referenced Burna Boy’s Best Global Music Album win for Twice As Tall, as well as Tems’ multiple Grammy awards, arguing that their recognitions were a direct reflection of artistic merit.
The activist also came to Fela Kuti’s defence over criticisms of his personal life, particularly his multiple marriages.
He questioned why historical figures such as King Solomon are widely revered despite similar controversies, while Fela continues to face harsh judgment.
VeryDarkMan insisted that Wizkid, musically and artistically, has not 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.
