Social media influencer and activist VeryDarkMan, popularly known as VDM, has accused Nigerian singer Wizkid of disrespecting late Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-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. He argued that while other countries celebrate and respect their great artistes, Nigerians often dismiss their pioneers as “past glory.”
He noted that many Nigerian music veterans who speak up about national or industry issues are usually insulted, ignored, or disrespected instead of being listened to.
VDM’s comments come amid the ongoing clash between Seun Kuti and Wizkid. He criticised Wizkid’s reaction to the feud, saying the singer’s comments encouraged his fans to insult Fela Kuti.
Mentioning several Nigerian music pioneers, including Eldee the Don, African China, Plantation Boiz, P-Square, Remedies, Tony Tetuila, Jazzman Olofin, 9ice, Vector, Sasha P, Asa, Weird MC, 2Face Idibia and Blackface, VDM said these are people Nigerians should respect and idolise, yet they are often labelled as irrelevant.
“People you are supposed to idolise and respect are called ‘past glory’ in this country,” he said.
VDM stated that while disagreements are normal, Wizkid should have handled the situation better and shown more respect, especially when discussing a figure like Fela Kuti.
Addressing the frequent comparisons between Wizkid and Fela, particularly those centred on the Grammy Award, VDM dismissed claims that Wizkid’s Grammy win places him above the Afrobeat pioneer.
He explained that Wizkid’s Grammy win in 2021 was as a featured artiste on Beyoncé’s Brown Skin Girl, which won Best Music Video, and not a solo achievement. According to him, the award was largely influenced by Beyoncé’s global status.
VDM further pointed out that Beyoncé herself has consistently celebrated Fela Kuti, recalling how she once performed Zombie in tribute to him and praised him in several interviews. He also noted that Zombie was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2025, and that Fela is expected to receive a posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
In contrast, he highlighted Burna Boy and Tems as Nigerian artistes whose Grammy wins were based purely on their individual musical work. He cited Burna Boy’s Best Global Music Album win for Twice As Tall and Tems’ multiple Grammy awards as examples of recognition earned through solo artistic excellence.
VDM also defended Fela Kuti against criticism of his personal life, particularly his multiple marriages. He questioned why historical figures like King Solomon are still revered despite similar controversies, while Fela continues to face harsh judgment.
He concluded by insisting that Wizkid has not surpassed Fela Kuti musically or artistically. According to him, the influence of the Kuti family, including Femi Kuti, Seun Kuti and Made Kuti, on African music and global cultural discourse remains unmatched by many contemporary artistes.
