Media personality Ifedayo Olarinde, popularly known as Daddy Freeze, has said that Nigerian singer Wizkid should not be compared to the late Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, stressing that Fela’s influence went far beyond music.
Sharing his view in a video broadcast, Daddy Freeze explained that while Wizkid is a successful musician, Fela was not just an entertainer but a fearless activist and freedom fighter who openly challenged the government and fought for civil rights.
According to him, Fela’s legacy cannot be discussed without highlighting his activism, sacrifices, and impact on society.
“Until Wizkid is ready to stand up and stone government, he shouldn’t compare himself to Fela,” Daddy Freeze said.
He recalled how powerful Fela’s influence was, stating that the government once released the Afrobeat pioneer from prison because they feared the consequences of his death in custody.
“They released him to go and die in his house because they knew that if he died in prison, it would cause a massive uproar. That was in 1995. I was a fresher in the university then,” he said.
Daddy Freeze further dismissed claims that Fela was merely a troublemaker, describing him instead as a man who dedicated his life to fighting oppression.
“Fela was not a troublemaker; he was a freedom fighter,” he said. “We talk about his music, but you can’t talk about Fela without talking about everything he stood for. His activism and his music worked together. You can’t separate the two.”
