Tag: Fela Anikulapo-Kuti

Categories
Entertainment News

He Is Now Eternal – How Tinubu Reacted To Fela Kuti’s Record-Setting Grammy Award

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the international recognition of the late Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti, following his Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

The president described Fela as more than a music star, saying he was a bold voice for ordinary people, a deep thinker on freedom, and a strong force who used music to speak against injustice.

According to him, Fela’s work changed the sound of music around the world and pushed important messages that are still felt today.

Tinubu said that Fela’s bravery, talent and strong beliefs shaped his era and continue to inspire many across different countries.

He added that in line with Yoruba belief, Fela has moved to a higher spiritual level and has become eternal through his impact and legacy.

The president also pointed out that Fela became the first African to receive the Recording Academy of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award, even though it came after his death.

He said the honour confirms Fela’s lasting influence worldwide and the key role he played in placing African music on the global stage.

Tinubu stated that Fela created Afrobeat and that his sound and ideas can still be seen and heard in today’s Nigerian musicians, as well as in Afrobeats and other music styles across the world.

He stated that Fela’s spirit and influence remain alive through his music and the generations he continues to inspire.

He wrote: “FELA LIVES: FELA’S LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD 

“The world of music has honoured a giant: Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

“Fela was more than a musician. He was a fearless voice of the people, a philosopher of freedom, and a revolutionary force whose music confronted injustice and reshaped global sound. 

“His courage, creativity, and conviction defined a generation and continue to inspire the world. In Yoruba mythology, he has transcended to a higher plane as an Orisa. He is now eternal. 

“Fela Kuti has blazed the trail with the Recording Academy of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award, becoming the first African to receive this honour, though posthumously.  The award is an affirmation of his enduring global influence and the foundational role he has played in the evolution and impact of Africa on modern music. 

“He defined Afrobeat, and you can hear and see his influence in generations of Nigerian musicians and in Afrobeats and beyond.

“Fela lives.

“Asiwaju President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR

“President, Federal Republic of Nigeria”

 

 

Categories
Entertainment News

Fela Kuti Makes History, Becomes The First African To Receive Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, the Afrobeat legend, has made history as the first African musician to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy.

The honour was bestowed posthumously at the 2026 Special Merit Awards in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 31, a day before the main Grammy Awards ceremony. His children Yeni, Kunle, Shalewa and Femi Kuti were present to receive the award on his behalf.

While addressing the audience, Yeni Kuti thanked the Recording Academy and said she believed their father would be “smiling down on us.”

She also recognised her siblings Motunrayo and Seun, who were absent, and applauded her nephew Made Kuti for pushing Afrobeat to greater heights.

“I’m sure my father is smiling down on us.

“I want to acknowledge my siblings who couldn’t be here tonight, Motunrayo and Seun, and my nephew who is carrying Afrobeat to another level, Made.”

Femi Kuti, in his remarks, expressed appreciation to those who have helped sustain and spread Afrobeat across the world, including DJs, media practitioners, their record label Partisan, legal teams and fans globally.

He described the recognition as a milestone not just for their late father, but for Africa and the global fight for justice.

“I would like to thank all the people carrying Afrobeat that are in this place tonight. DJs, the press, our label Partisan, our lawyers, fans all over the world. Thank you for bringing our father here, it’s so important for Africa. It’s so important for world peace and struggle., Femi said.

Fela shared the prestigious honour with other celebrated figures in global music, among them Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, Cher and Paul Simon.

Categories
Entertainment News

Wizkid vs Fela: I Wish It Never Came Up, Nigeria Faces Bigger Challenges – Femi Kuti (Video)

Afrobeat musician Femi Kuti has expressed regret over comparisons between today’s Nigerian music stars and his late father, legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, saying the debate is unnecessary and unhelpful.

Femi made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television, where he stressed that he would not participate in the discussion, insisting that Nigeria faces far more urgent challenges than celebrity comparisons.

“I wish it never came up. I’m not participating in it,” he said.

“The government doesn’t even know how to move people positively forward. It’s shameful.”

The debate resurfaced following claims by Afrobeat star Wizkid that he was bigger than Seun Kuti’s father, Fela. Wizkid was quoted as saying, “ I big pass your papa.”

Shortly after the debate, the late Fela was nominate for a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammys, an honour that has renewed conversations around Fela’s influence on the new generation of singers.

According to Femi, his father should not be placed in competition with today’s artistes, noting that Fela remains the foundation upon which Nigeria’s music industry was built.

“Fela is the template musically and artistically in Nigeria. He should be put in a sector of his own and respected,” he said.

While acknowledging the global success of contemporary Afrobeat artistes, Femi said the focus should be on unity and nation building rather than rivalry narratives.

He further lamented Nigeria’s slow political and social progress, pointing out that many of the issues Fela sang about decades ago remain unresolved.

“For 29 years, he has been gone, yet we are still discussing the same issues,” Femi said, adding that corruption, insecurity, tribalism and terrorism now pose even greater threats to the country.

He urged Nigerians, particularly young people, to channel the global recognition of Nigerian music into building the nation and addressing its core problems.

“This recognition is good for Nigeria and Africa. We should use it to build the country, build our music industry, and come together,”he added.

Categories
Entertainment News

Fela’s Legacy: Kunle Kuti Breaks Silence On Wizkid vs Seun Kuti Feud (Video)

Kunle Kuti, son of Afrobeats legend Fela Kuti, has voiced concern over the online feud between singer Wizkid and his brother, Seun Kuti.

The controversy began when Seun criticised Wizkid’s fans for comparing the ‘Ojuelegba’ hitmaker to their father, arguing that it undermined Fela’s legacy.

Speaking on TheCable’s ‘Our Two Kobo’ podcast, Kunle Kuti distanced himself from comparisons between Wizkid and Fela, saying they belong to different realms.

“I do not want anybody to compare them; it is two different things,” he said.

Kunle admitted that the issue left him “heartbroken”, revealing he holds Wizkid in high regard and had sought to meet him, citing the singer’s Fela Kuti tattoo as a point of admiration.

“That is what I am saying, I was heartbroken. What is this going on? Wizkid is the only artist that I have kind of begged people that I want to meet in my life.

“Even on Sunday, I have begged him that I want to meet this guy, to show you how much I love him. For the fact that he has Fela’s tattoo. We, his kids, do not even have his tattoo on our bodies”, he said.

Categories
Entertainment News

You Started Your Music Career Without Originality – VeryDarkMan Blasts Wizkid For Insulting Fela Kuti (Video)

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.

Categories
Entertainment News

Fela: ‘I Like Wizkid, He Is My Padi’ – Yeni Kuti Reacts To Singer’s Clash With Seun Kuti (Video)

Yeni Kuti, the eldest child of the late Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti, has finally responded to Wizkid’s online clash with her brother, Seun Kuti.

Recall that Seun Kuti started dragging Wizkid’s fanbase popularly known as Wizkid FC last week for comparing the singer’s legacy and influence with that of his father, late Fela Kuti.

The fight escalated on the sixth day of the constant dragging when Seun dared Wizkid to prove he truly cared for his fans by protecting them from him.

Breaking silence in solidarity to his fans, Wizkid told Seun that “I’m bigger than your father”, and challenged Seun Kuti to do his worst.

His response sparked controversy online, with many blaming Seun for pushing the singer to the wall while some netizens including some of Fela’s children berated Wizkid for disrespecting the late legend.

The development which led to public debate on Wizkid and Fela’s legacy and influence sparked mixed reactions among Nigerian celebrities.

However, amid the controversy, Yeni Kuti, speaking on ‘Your View’ program on TVC, on Thursday, said she refused to involve herself in the fight with Wizkid because the singer is her close friend and she loves him a lot.

Speaking about Wizkid’s longtime relationship with Fela’s family, Yeni, who said “Wizkid is my padi”, further urged the public to come together to celebrate Fela at this year Grammy awards.

Yeni said, “I love Wizkid a lot. You know, Wizkid is my padi now. When two giants fight, it’s the grass that suffers. I refuse to enter some of the insults that they are hauling because I love Wizkid a lot. Wizkid is my padi now and my so friend. We have come a long way together. I remember when we started that shrine, he was a backup singer and the shrine during Felabration.

“So, there’s no way I can ever no like Wizkid. I like him and I wish at the beginning, he had quickly put a stop to it but he didn’t. Let’s mend fences , we are one people. We’re just about to go and celebrate our icon at the Grammy and you’re all doing as if you are trying to dent it. It’s not Fela or Fela family that you are denting, it’s all Nigeria. Did you Bob Marley people do that? They don’t do that.

“Whichever way you look at it, this one is bigger than Fela, that one is bigger than Fela. He started the journal of music, he’s an icon, and so if you have problems, why are you attacking him? He has done his own, he has gone. What people don’t understand is Fela has been dead for 27 years. And you are still mentioning his name. That’s just answer to his greatness. So let’s just respect that. Fight yourselves you that are alive and leave the man that has done his own and gone.”

Watch video

Categories
Entertainment News

Wizkid Cannot Measure Up To Fela Even If He Were To Live Ten Lifetimes – Ex-Presidential Aide, Ojudu

Former presidential aide Babafemi Ojudu has criticised a “Nigerian youngster” for likening himself to the late Afrobeats icon, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

Recall that Nigerian musician, Wizkid, had gotten into an online feud with Fela’s son, Seun Kuti and declared that he was greater than the legend.

Speaking via a lengthy post on Facebook on Wednesday morning, Ojudu described Fela as an unmatched cultural and musical icon whose influence transcends generations.

He wrote, “Is it true that a Nigerian youngster said he is greater than Fela? I sincerely hope he was misquoted.

“Even if he were to live ten lifetimes, his art and his life could not measure up to Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.”

The veteran journalist and politician went on to highlight Fela’s immense contributions to music, activism, and African consciousness, describing him as “a movement, a conscience, a revolution in human form.”

“Fela was not just a musician; he was a movement, a conscience, a revolution in human form. His music gave birth to Afrobeat, a genre now studied in universities across the world, sampled by global superstars, and performed on the world’s greatest stages,” Ojudu wrote.

He praised Fela’s courage and originality, noting that his music “reshaped global music and African identity” while challenging oppression and corruption in Nigeria’s military era.

“Fela stood alone, fearless in the face of military dictatorships, unapologetic in his resistance to oppression. He used his music as a weapon against injustice, corruption, colonial mentality, and state violence. For this, he was arrested over 200 times, brutalised, imprisoned, tortured, exiled, and silenced, yet never broken,” he said.

Ojudu also recounted Fela’s personal sacrifices, recalling how his mother was murdered, his home was burnt down, and his property was seized, yet he remained defiant.

“His mother was murdered by the state. His house, the Kalakuta Republic, was burned to the ground. His property was seized. He was flogged, beaten, and jailed from Alagbon to Panti, hounded by police and soldiers alike. Yet, after every assault, Fela returned with sharper lyrics, deeper rhythms, and more defiant truth,” he wrote.

In a sharp rebuke, Ojudu said anyone who dared compare himself to Fela “must first walk the corridors of Nigerian jailhouses” and experience the kind of persecution Fela endured.

“For any young person, musician or not, to compare himself to Fela, he must first walk the corridors of Nigerian jailhouses: Lagos, Maiduguri, Benin. He must endure police cells and military tribunals. He must lose everything, go into exile, and still return with his creative spirit intact,” he added.

Highlighting Fela’s legacy, Ojudu described him as “a multi-instrumentalist, composer, bandleader, philosopher, and cultural theorist” who remains globally revered.

“Fela did not chase acceptance. The world came to him,” he said.

Concluding his statement, Ojudu dismissed Wizkid’s claim as unworthy of serious attention.

“So, whoever this fellow is, if he indeed made such a claim, should simply be ignored. He may be one of those who would flee the country the moment the police knock once on his car window in Ojuelegba. Fela did not run. Fela stood. Fela fought. And Fela remains immortal. Anikulapo, the man who carried death in his pouch,” Ojudu wrote.

Categories
Entertainment News

Remove Fela Tattoo From Your Arms Or You Will Never Do Great Things Again – Seun Kuti Curses Wizkid (Video)

The ongoing feud between Seun Kuti and Wizkid has escalated after Seun slammed the pop star for sporting a tattoo of his father, Fela Kuti, on his arm.

In an Instagram live session, Seun told Wizkid to remove the tattoo and suggested replacing it with an image of his own father.

Kuti warned that keeping it could block his ability to achieve greatness.

“Remove my father’s (Fela Kuti) tattoo on your arm and replace it with your father’s head, if you won’t do it you will never use your hands to do great things in life”, he said.

Recall that the conflict started when Seun Kuti rejected comparisons between Wizkid and his father, saying words like, Wizkid is “bigger” or “more influential” diminish Fela’s legacy.

He argued that Fela’s impact as a political and cultural activist goes beyond music success alone.

Seun has also criticized Wizkid’s fans for repeatedly referencing Fela in online debates, describing their behaviour as disrespectful.

Seun further pointed out that equating modern commercial success with Fela’s historical influence shows a misunderstanding of history.

While acknowledging Wizkid’s achievements as an artiste, Seun questioned why people feel the need to claim he is greater than Fela.

He also raised concerns about Wizkid’s use of the nickname “Big Bird,” claiming it was previously associated with him and should not be copied.

In response, Wizkid took to Instagram to assert his position, saying that he rejects the comparisons to Fela and considers himself bigger in terms of modern success.

Categories
Entertainment News

Short Man, Just Be Yourself – Seun Kuti Fires Back At Wizkid Over Comparison To Fela

Nigerian musician Seun Kuti has responded to Wizkid after the pop star took to Instagram to attack him over comparisons with the late Afrobeat icon Fela Kuti.

His response comes after Wizkid posted on Instagram, claiming he is bigger than Fela and targeting Seun with personal insults.

Wizkid wrote on his Instagram story: “Pvssy boy @bigbirdkuti ok I big pass your papa!! Wetin u one do?

“Fool at 40 @bigbirdkuti I’m Big Wiz everyday bigger than your papa!! Wetin u one do fool ? Hungry bastard.”

In his reply, Seun addressed the ongoing feud, acknowledging the attention it has drawn while maintaining his stance on respecting Fela’s legacy.

He wrote: “Una oga don come out. Ehn hen. Tmr we finish. Day 7. Shebi una say e no go answer?

“Dem don fall una hand o. Just be yourself short man. You are also great.”

The conflict started when Seun Kuti rejected comparisons between Wizkid and his father, saying words like, Wizkid is “bigger” or “more influential” diminish Fela’s legacy.

He argued that Fela’s impact as a political and cultural activist goes beyond music success alone.

Seun has also criticized Wizkid’s fans for repeatedly referencing Fela in online debates, describing their behaviour as disrespectful.

Seun further pointed out that equating modern commercial success with Fela’s historical influence shows a misunderstanding of history.

Categories
Entertainment News

I Am Bigger Than Your Father — Wizkid Roars At Seun Kuti

Ayodeji Balogun, the Nigerian global music star, who is widely known as Wizkid, has finally reacted to remarks made by Grammy-nominated singer Seun Kuti.

Recall that Seun Kuti had reportedly criticized Wizkid and his fans during several recent livestreams, targeting the star on multiple occasions.

Amid the backlash, Wizkid broke his silence, addressing Seun Kuti’s remarks on both Instagram and X.

Responding on his Instagram story, he wrote:“I big pass your papa!! Wetin you don do? I’m Big Wiz everyday.”

On his X handle, he added: “Ok everybody better pass Wizkid! Can we all sleep now? Fela fight for freedom, this fool dey fight FC! Oloshi Omo ale!”

About Us

626blaze is an entertainment and lifestyle website that brings you latest gist and scoops from the world of music, fashion, movies, sports and social commentary.

Categories

Subscribe to our Newsletters