Wizkid Not Fela, Daddy Freeze Cites Activism and Sacrifice
The heated debate surrounding the Wizkid Fela comparison Daddy Freeze recently addressed has reached a fever pitch following an explosive online exchange between the “Essence” singer and Seun Kuti. As Wizkid’s fanbase, the Wizkid FC, continues to push the narrative that the Grammy winner has surpassed the legacy of the late Afrobeat pioneer, media personality Daddy Freeze has stepped in to provide a sobering perspective.
In a widely viewed video broadcast on January 21, 2026, the outspoken broadcaster firmly rejected any parallels between the two artists, arguing that greatness in the context of Fela Anikulapo Kuti cannot be measured by streaming numbers or international awards alone.
Daddy Freeze’s commentary comes as a direct response to Wizkid’s recent claim that he is “bigger than Fela.” According to the broadcaster, Fela was not merely a musician but a “freedom fighter” and a “national conscience” whose music was inseparable from his struggle against military oppression. “Until Wizkid is ready to stand up and stone the government, he shouldn’t compare himself to Fela,” Freeze stated bluntly.
He reminded his audience that Fela’s life was characterized by over 200 arrests, physical torture, and the destruction of his home, the Kalakuta Republic, sacrifices made in the pursuit of social justice that modern Afrobeats stars have not had to endure.
The Wizkid Fela comparison Daddy Freeze critiqued also highlights the fundamental difference in the intent behind their art. While Wizkid has achieved unprecedented global success and is a “generational icon” for millions, Freeze pointed out that his influence is largely commercial and aesthetic. In contrast, Fela’s music was a weapon used to confront systemic corruption.
“Fela was not a troublemaker; he was a revolutionary,” Freeze added, noting that the late legend was often released from prison only because the government feared a national uprising if he died in custody. This level of “skin in the game” is what Freeze believes sets the bar for any comparison to the Abami Eda.
The debate has also seen involvement from other high-profile figures like former Senator Babafemi Ojudu, who echoed Freeze’s sentiments, stating that even “ten lifetimes” would not be enough for a modern artist to match Fela’s original and courageous impact.
Meanwhile, nightlife influencer Yhemolee defended Wizkid’s fans, suggesting that most Gen Z supporters have no memory of Fela and naturally view Wizkid as their Greatest of All Time (GOAT). However, for purists and historians, the attempt to equate pop success with revolutionary activism remains a point of deep contention.
READ ALSO: 10 Things to Know About Fela Anikulapo Kuti (Undying legacy)
As the industry reflects on these words, the conversation is shifting from who has more hits to the role of the modern artist in Nigerian society. Daddy Freeze’s intervention serves as a reminder that while Wizkid is undoubtedly the king of the current Afrobeats era, the title of “Fela” carries a weight of suffering and political defiance that goes beyond the studio. For now, the “Red Cap” of the Kuti family remains in a category of its own, serving as a standard of activism that the younger generation has yet to fully replicate.