In a snippet from an upcoming episode of the Mic On podcast, the music icon made his position clear, stating that placing the two artists side by side does a disservice to both. According to 2Baba, such comparisons are not only disrespectful to Fela’s towering legacy but also unfair to Wizkid, whose career has been shaped by a completely different era and musical landscape.
The debate gained traction following Wizkid’s reaction to criticisms from Seun Kuti, Fela’s son, during which the singer claimed to be “bigger” than the Afrobeat pioneer. The remark sparked widespread reactions across social media and the entertainment industry, with fans and critics divided over the appropriateness of the comparison.
Addressing the issue, 2Baba stressed that Fela and Wizkid represent distinct generations, styles, and purposes in Nigerian music. While Fela’s work was deeply rooted in political activism and social resistance, Wizkid’s influence reflects the globalisation of Afrobeats and the evolution of the sound for international audiences.
According to him, ignoring the vastly different contexts in which both artists created their music oversimplifies their achievements and fuels unnecessary controversy. Rather than pitting them against each other, he urged listeners to appreciate their individual contributions and the unique paths they carved in the industry.
“Comparing Fela with Wizkid is ridiculous,” 2Baba said. “Apart from the fact that it is disrespectful to Fela, at the same time, it is also unfair to Wizkid.”
He concluded by calling on fans and commentators to celebrate the distinct legacies of both musicians, allowing each to be judged on merit rather than through comparisons that, in his view, add little value to Nigeria’s rich musical history.