Social media influencer Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has criticized Afrobeats star Wizkid for allegedly failing to stop his fans from disrespecting the legacy of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
The criticism follows a heated online exchange between Wizkid and Fela’s son, Seun Kuti, which has divided the Nigerian music community.
In a video shared on January 22, 2026, VeryDarkMan condemned the growing trend of fans dismissing veteran artists as “past glories.” He argued that Wizkid’s global success rests on the foundation built by Fela and other music pioneers.
VDM specifically called out the “Wizkid FC” fanbase, accusing them of ignoring the historical importance of Fela’s contributions to global music.
“Fela is the person that gave birth to the music you people are doing today. Even Beyoncé, who you people say gave Wizkid a Grammy, worships Fela.”
He also dismissed comparisons between Wizkid and Fela, saying Fela’s influence remains unmatched. He pointed to the recent induction of Fela’s song “Zombie” into the Grammy Hall of Fame as proof of his lasting impact.
He further challenged the narrative around Wizkid’s Grammy win. VDM argued that the award for “Brown Skin Girl” was a collaborative effort, unlike solo wins by artists such as Burna Boy and Tems.
According to him, no modern artist, including Wizkid, has reached the artistic or cultural height of the Kuti family.
“People want to judge Fela’s lifestyle, but they forget that Fela was a prophet in his own right. You cannot compare 10 lifetimes of what these modern stars are doing to what Fela did in one.”
The dispute remains a top trending topic on social media, highlighting ongoing tensions between Afrobeat’s legacy and the modern Afrobeats era.
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