Yeni Kuti Calls For Calm After Wizkid-Seun Kuti Social Media Clash
Yeni Kuti, the eldest daughter of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti, has spoken publicly for the first time on the heated online exchange between Nigerian music star Wizkid and her brother, Seun Kuti.
The controversy began last week after Seun Kuti criticised members of Wizkid’s fan base, popularly known as Wizkid FC, for comparing the singer’s global impact to that of their late father, Fela Kuti. The back-and-forth escalated over several days, culminating in Seun daring Wizkid to show concern for his fans by intervening.
Wizkid later responded online, declaring that he was “bigger than your father” and challenging Seun to do his worst. The remark sparked widespread backlash, with many Nigerians accusing Wizkid of disrespecting Fela’s legacy, while others argued that Seun’s persistent criticism provoked the response. Several public figures and celebrities weighed in as the debate around legacy, influence and respect dominated social media conversations.
Speaking on TVC’s Your View programme on Thursday, Yeni Kuti distanced herself from the feud and emphasised her long-standing friendship with Wizkid. She described the singer as someone close to the Kuti family and said she deliberately chose not to participate in the online exchanges.
According to Yeni, Wizkid has had ties with the family for many years, dating back to his early days as a backup singer at the New Afrika Shrine during Felabration. She said this shared history made it impossible for her to harbour ill feelings toward him, despite the controversy.
She also urged Nigerians to de-escalate the situation and focus on honouring Fela’s enduring legacy, particularly as global recognition of his influence continues to grow. Yeni warned that public disputes surrounding Fela’s name ultimately reflect on Nigeria as a whole, not just the Kuti family.
Calling for unity, she stressed that Fela’s continued relevance decades after his death is itself proof of his greatness and appealed for respect for the late icon. She encouraged those involved to resolve their differences privately and allow Fela’s legacy to be celebrated without controversy.
