Comparing Wizkid to Fela is ridiculous – 2Face

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Ace Nigerian musician Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Face, has weighed in on the ongoing controversy surrounding comparisons between global Afrobeats star Wizkid and the late Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, describing such debates as ridiculous and deeply disrespectful.

The debate was reignited after Wizkid sparked backlash online by claiming he is “bigger” than Fela while responding to criticisms from Seun Kuti, Fela’s youngest son, over repeated comparisons between the Ojuelegba crooner and the Afrobeat legend. 

Wizkid’s comment drew sharp reactions from fans, music lovers, and industry stakeholders, many of whom viewed the statement as an affront to Fela’s legacy.

Reacting to the issue in a snippet from an upcoming episode of the Mic On podcast, 2Face made it clear that comparing both artistes does a disservice to Nigerian music history. 

According to the African Queen crooner, Fela and Wizkid belong to completely different eras and served different purposes within the cultural and musical space.

2Face stated that placing both musicians side by side ignores the context of their respective times, their unique contributions, and the roles they played in shaping Nigerian music.

 He explained that while Wizkid is a product of the modern music industry driven by global streaming, social media, and digital marketing, Fela operated in a vastly different environment where music was used as a weapon for political resistance and social reform.

“Comparing Fela with Wizkid is ridiculous. Apart from the fact that it is disrespectful to Fela, and at the same time, it is also unfair to Wizkid,” 2Face said. He stressed that Fela’s impact went far beyond music, as the Afrobeat legend challenged military governments, confronted oppression, and used his art as a voice for the voiceless.

The singer further noted that Wizkid’s achievements should be celebrated within his own lane, without attempting to measure them against Fela’s legacy. According to him, every generation has its heroes, and comparisons across eras often fail to capture the realities and struggles of the time.

2Face’s comments have resonated with many Nigerians online, with several users agreeing that constant comparisons between contemporary artistes and historical figures undermine both parties. 

Some fans argued that Wizkid’s success in taking Afrobeats to the global stage is monumental on its own, while Fela’s influence remains unmatched due to his role as a cultural and political icon.

The debate also follows earlier interventions from members of the Kuti family, including Yeni Kuti, who previously advised artistes to compare themselves with their peers rather than with Fela. 

As discussions continue across social media, 2Face’s stance has added a voice of reason, calling for respect, perspective, and appreciation of Nigeria’s musical legends without unnecessary rivalry.

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