Femi Kuti, son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, has called for respect for his father’s legacy, dismissing comparisons to other artists.

Speaking from Los Angeles where he will receive Fela’s posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Grammy Awards, Femi emphasised that Fela is in a league of his own.

The comments come amid controversy between Wizkid and Seun Kuti, with Femi expressing disappointment over the debate.

Wizkid sparked outrage after claiming he is “bigger” than Fela while responding to Seun Kuti’s criticisms of him and his fans over the comparison of the ‘Ojuelegba’ crooner with the Afrobeat legend.

Femi, who maintains good relationships with Seun Kuti and Wizkid, stressed that Fela’s legacy should be celebrated, not compared to others.

He said: “Fela is our father and all, even the younger artists respect him. The Fela vs Wizkid controversy is not an issue that should be brought up. Fela is the musical and artistic template in Nigeria.

“So, Fela should just be put in a sector of his own and we just idolise and respect him. I don’t want to go into Seun and Wizkid’s matter because Seun is my brother and Wizkid is like a son to me. I just wished it didn’t not arose”. (The Nation)

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