Wizkid Is a Celebrity, Fela Was a Revolutionary Musician — Why the Difference Still Matters

A renewed debate over legacy, impact and artistry has sparked fresh conversations in Nigeria’s music space, following claims comparing contemporary pop stardom to the towering influence of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti.
Drawing from decades of personal experience in the music industry, the argument draws a clear line between celebrity and musicianship. While global superstar Wizkid is celebrated as one of Africa’s most successful pop exports, critics insist his influence belongs firmly within the realm of celebrity culture rather than historical or cultural musicianship.
Wizkid, they argue, represents the modern pop star — carefully marketed, commercially successful, and deeply connected to youth culture through love-themed records and chart-friendly sounds. His achievements, while notable, are rooted in entertainment and industry acclaim, not social confrontation or political resistance.
Fela Kuti, by contrast, is described as a revolutionary figure whose music transcended entertainment. Classically trained and proficient in multiple instruments, Fela created Afrobeat as a new musical language and wielded it as a tool of resistance against military rule, corruption and systemic injustice. His songs challenged power structures and came at a steep personal cost, including imprisonment, physical assault and the tragic loss of his mother.
Contrary to popular myths, Fela did not rise from poverty. He came from a well-educated and influential family but deliberately aligned himself with the oppressed. That choice, observers note, was what made his voice both dangerous and enduring.
Critics argue that boasting about being “bigger than Fela” reflects a misunderstanding of history. While celebrity status can be fleeting, Fela’s legacy is anchored in courage, sacrifice and social impact — values that outlive charts, algorithms and endorsements.
The debate reinforces a long-standing belief among music historians: pop stars may dominate their era, but cultural icons shape history. Fela Kuti, they insist, is not a brand to be compared by streams or sales, but a benchmark measured by integrity, influence and the price paid for speaking truth to power.