Social media influencer and activist, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has criticised Nigerian music star Ayodeji Balogun, also known as Wizkid, over comments he says amounted to disrespect for late Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti.
In a viral video shared on Thursday, VDM lamented what he described as Nigeria’s failure to properly honour its cultural icons, arguing that legendary artistes are often dismissed as “past glory” rather than celebrated for their contributions. He noted that, unlike in other countries where pioneers are revered, Nigerian music veterans are frequently ignored or verbally attacked when they speak on national or industry issues.
His comments come amid the ongoing public spat between Wizkid and Afrobeat musician Seun Kuti, Fela’s youngest son.
VDM listed several Nigerian music veterans and pioneers — including Eldee the Don, African China, Plantation Boiz, Psquare, Remedies, Tony Tetuila, Jazzman Olofin, 9ice, Vector, Sasha P, Asa, Weird MC, 2Face Idibia and Blackface — stressing that they laid the foundation for today’s music industry.
“People you are supposed to idolise and respect are called ‘past glory’ in this country,” he said.
The influencer accused Wizkid’s remarks of encouraging fans to insult Fela Kuti, describing the development as unacceptable. While acknowledging that disagreements are normal, VDM argued that the singer should have handled the situation with more restraint.
Addressing comparisons between Wizkid and Fela, particularly those centred on the Grammy Awards, VDM dismissed claims that Wizkid’s Grammy win places him above the Afrobeat pioneer. He noted that Wizkid’s Grammy, won in 2021 for Best Music Video as a featured artiste on Beyoncé’s Brown Skin Girl, was heavily influenced by Beyoncé’s global stature rather than Wizkid’s solo work.
VDM also pointed out that Beyoncé has consistently celebrated Fela Kuti’s legacy, recalling her performances and public tributes to the late musician. He added that Fela’s iconic song Zombie was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2025 and that the Afrobeat pioneer is expected to receive a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award.
In contrast, he cited Burna Boy and Tems as Nigerian artistes whose Grammy wins, he argued, were based solely on individual artistic merit. Burna Boy won Best Global Music Album for Twice As Tall, while Tems has secured multiple Grammy awards for her work.
VDM further defended Fela Kuti against long-standing criticisms of his personal life, particularly his multiple marriages. He questioned why historical figures such as King Solomon are widely revered despite similar controversies, while Fela continues to face moral scrutiny.
He concluded by asserting that Wizkid has not surpassed Fela Kuti musically or culturally, nor other members of the Kuti family, including Femi Kuti, Seun Kuti and Made Kuti. According to him, the Kuti dynasty’s influence on African music and global cultural discourse remains unmatched by many contemporary artistes.