The year 2026 barely settled before Nigerian entertainment social media was thrown into another heated debate, involving Grammy-winning artiste Ibrahim Ayo Balogun, widely known as Wizkid, and afrobeats activist Seun Kuti.

In what started as an online clash between Seun Kuti and Wizkid's "die-hard" fans, fondly called Wizkid FC, the clash quickly snowballed after Wizkid reacted as expected to Seun's constant calls out for days.

The clash, which was intensified, pulled in respected voices, veterans, and social commentators who felt compelled to speak up.

As tempers flared and fan armies went to war, several well-known figures stepped in, not necessarily to take sides, but to restore some sense, perspective, and respect to the conversation.

MyNigeria gathers some prominent Nigerians who weighed in on the Wizkid-Seun Kuti feud and why their voices mattered.

Yeni Kuti

The eldest daughter of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, Yeni Kuti, was one of the first asked to react. Speaking on Television Continental, she carefully avoided choosing sides.

Yeni made it clear that Wizkid is someone she loves and considers a friend, recalling how he once performed as a backup singer at Felabration.

However, she stressed that fans played a major role in escalating the situation and said Wizkid was expected to caution them. She also expressed discomfort with the level of insults being thrown at the Kuti family online, noting that attacks on Fela’s legacy were attacks on Nigeria’s history.

According to her, legends are respected globally, just like Bob Marley, and should not be dragged on their own soil.

Jaywon

Singer Jaywon also joined the conversation, urging younger artistes and fans to respect the older generation. He warned against using streaming numbers as the sole measure of greatness, arguing that real impact goes beyond charts and statistics. Jaywon reminded fans that legends like Fela and Bob Marley remained relevant decades later because of their influence, not because of digital metrics.

VeryDarkMan

Social media activist Martins Otse, better known as VeryDarkMan, did not mince words. He openly criticised Wizkid, saying it was wrong for any Nigerian artiste to appear disrespectful to Fela Kuti. According to him, Wizkid’s fans ignited the fire, describing them as loud online but absent when national issues demand action.

VDM also pointed out that Wizkid had drawn inspiration from Fela, citing sampled sounds and even the singer’s tattoo of the Afrobeat icon. He argued that winning Grammys—especially through collaborations—does not automatically place anyone above others in terms of legacy.

His comments sparked backlash from Wizkid’s fans, leading to mass unfollow threats and eventually the reported takedown of one of his social media accounts.

Daddy Freeze

Media personality Daddy Freeze added his voice during an Instagram Live session, stating plainly that Wizkid and Fela could not be compared on the same scale. According to him, Fela’s influence went far beyond music, as he was a fearless activist who used his art to confront power and fight for the oppressed. For Freeze, talent and fame alone cannot replace purpose and impact.

Charly Boy asked Nigerians to look deeper

Veteran entertainer and activist Charly Boy, also known as Area Fada, offered a more reflective take. He said the debate should not be about who is greater but about whose music connects with the soul. According to him, both Fela and Wizkid have made significant contributions, but their missions and methods are different.

At 75, Charly Boy reminded Nigerians that influence comes in many forms and should be appreciated without unnecessary comparison.