Yeni Kuti, the first daughter of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, has spoken out on the ongoing online feud between her brother, Seun Kuti, and Grammy-winning singer Wizkid, saying the dispute crossed a line when her late father was dragged into it.
Speaking on TVC’s Your View on Thursday, Yeni made it clear that her comments were not motivated by hostility towards Wizkid, whom she described as a longtime friend, but by concern over what she viewed as an unnecessary and disrespectful reference to Fela’s legacy.
She recalled her long-standing relationship with the singer, noting that she has known Wizkid since his early days performing as a backup singer at the New Afrika Shrine. According to her, that history makes it impossible for her to harbour personal dislike toward him.
However, Yeni said the tone of the exchange changed when Fela’s name became part of the online back-and-forth. She described the reference as excessive and unwarranted, arguing that personal disagreements should not extend to invoking the late Afrobeat icon.
The feud, which erupted earlier in the week, began with a social media exchange between Seun Kuti and Wizkid and quickly escalated into personal attacks, attracting widespread attention across social media. As the argument intensified, mentions of Fela sparked backlash from fans and cultural commentators who viewed it as disrespectful to his legacy.
Yeni expressed regret that the situation was allowed to spiral, saying she wished Wizkid had ended the exchange before it escalated. She also questioned the timing of the controversy, pointing out that it comes at a moment when Fela’s influence is being internationally recognised.
She warned that such public disputes do more harm than good, adding that the damage goes beyond the Kuti family. According to her, controversies of this nature ultimately reflect poorly on Nigeria as a whole.
Reinforcing her father’s enduring relevance, Yeni noted that decades after his death, Fela’s name continues to dominate conversations — a testament, she said, to the lasting impact of his work and legacy.