VDM Defends Fela Kuti, Accuses Wizkid of Disrespect Amid Feud with Seun Kuti
Social media personality and activist Martins Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has come to the defense of the late Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, accusing global music star Wizkid of disrespecting the musician’s legacy. The statement comes amid the ongoing public disagreement between Wizkid and Fela’s son, Seun Kuti.
In a video that went viral on Thursday, January 22, VDM alleged that Wizkid had sampled Fela’s iconic track Zombie and even used his famous “yeh yeh” adlibs. He also claimed that Wizkid borrowed lyrics from his 2011 hit, Holla At Your Boy, which he says were originally from the group GIRLS’ song Seven. According to VDM, these actions demonstrate a disregard for Fela’s musical influence.
VDM criticized how Nigeria often fails to properly recognize its music legends, noting that while other countries celebrate their pioneering artists, Nigerian music pioneers are frequently dismissed as “past glory.” He mentioned veteran performers such as Eldee the Don, African China, Plantation Boiz, P-Square, Remedies, Tony Tetuila, Jazzman Olofin, 9ice, Vector, Sasha P, Asa, Weird MC, 2Face Idibia, and Blackface, stating that these artists are often ignored or insulted when sharing their perspectives.
According to the influencer, Wizkid’s statements have encouraged some fans to attack Fela online. VDM emphasized that while disagreements are part of the music industry, attacking a national icon is unacceptable.
Regarding the comparison between Wizkid and Fela, VDM dismissed claims that Wizkid’s Grammy win places him above the Afrobeat pioneer. He pointed out that Wizkid won the award in 2021 as a featured artist on Beyoncé’s Brown Skin Girl, not as a solo performer. He also noted that Beyoncé has always celebrated Fela, performing Zombie in tribute and praising the late musician in interviews.
VDM highlighted that Fela’s Zombie was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2025, and the Afrobeat legend is expected to receive a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award, further confirming his global influence.
In contrast, VDM praised artists like Burna Boy and Tems for earning Grammys based solely on their own work, citing Burna Boy’s win for Best Global Music Album with Twice As Tall and Tems’ multiple awards as examples of individual merit.
VDM also defended Fela against criticisms of his personal life, including his multiple marriages, questioning why historical figures like King Solomon are celebrated despite similar controversies.
He concluded that Wizkid has not yet surpassed Fela or other Kuti family members, including Femi, Seun, and Made Kuti. According to VDM, the Kuti family’s lasting impact on African music and global culture continues to overshadow many contemporary artists, underscoring the need to honor the contributions of music pioneers like Fela.
