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Nigerian Afrobeat musician Seun Kuti has publicly accused superstar singer Wizkid of allegedly stealing his nickname, sparking fresh debate within the Nigerian music community.
The claim emerged during a recent livestream, where Seun Kuti addressed a fan who urged him to change his nickname from “Big Bird” because Wizkid reportedly uses “Biggest Bird.”
Seun Kuti was quick to dismiss the suggestion, emphasizing that he has long borne the nickname and sees no reason to yield it to anyone. “Wizkid stole my name. Tell your fave to be original.
Why are you telling me to change my name? Sorry, I can’t change it. This name has been here since. I am the first to come up with it. I am not dragging it with anybody, please,” Kuti stated.
The livestream has since gained attention across social media, with fans and entertainment commentators weighing in on the controversy.
Many have noted that Seun Kuti, as the son of the legendary Fela Kuti, has a long history in the Afrobeat scene and his “Big Bird” nickname has been associated with him for years, predating Wizkid’s career.
This revelation comes amid the continued rise of Wizkid, who recently became the first African artist to surpass 10 billion streams on Spotify.
His global influence and the popularity of the “Biggest Bird” moniker have made him a frequent subject of discussion in music circles. However, Seun Kuti’s insistence on originality reflects his stance on maintaining individuality in the highly competitive Nigerian music industry.
Seun Kuti also used the livestream to reiterate his commitment to his personal brand and artistic identity. He made it clear that he has no intention of engaging in a dispute or confrontation with Wizkid, but he wants to assert his precedence regarding the nickname.
The Afrobeat star’s comments have resonated with many of his fans, who see this as a stand for authenticity in the entertainment industry.
The situation highlights the ongoing tensions that can arise when artists achieve fame, especially in an industry where branding and personal identity are closely tied to success. Seun Kuti’s position underscores the importance of respecting legacy and originality, particularly for artists who have contributed to the genre for decades.
This is not the first time Seun Kuti has expressed strong opinions publicly. Known for his outspoken nature, he has previously criticized attempts to compare other musicians to his father, Fela Kuti, asserting the uniqueness of his family’s legacy.
Similarly, his recent comments on the nickname issue reflect his dedication to preserving his individuality and the history attached to it.
While Wizkid has not publicly responded to Seun Kuti’s claim, the debate continues on social media platforms, with fans divided over the issue.
Some support Seun Kuti’s assertion, pointing out his longer tenure in the industry, while others argue that nicknames and artistic expressions often evolve and overlap as musicians gain international fame.
The controversy serves as a reminder of the intricate dynamics in Nigeria’s music scene, where legacy, branding, and originality intersect.
For Seun Kuti, the message is clear: he will not relinquish his identity or the name he has carried for years, and he expects respect from both fans and fellow artists alike.
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