Veteran Nigerian music star Innocent Idibia, widely known as 2Face or 2Baba, has weighed in on the heated debate comparing contemporary singer Wizkid to legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, describing the comparison as inappropriate and disrespectful.
The controversy erupted after Wizkid recently claimed he was “bigger” than Fela, a remark made in response to criticism from Fela’s son, Seun Kuti, and some of the late icon’s supporters. The statement quickly triggered widespread backlash across social media, with many Nigerians accusing the Grammy-winning artiste of showing disregard for a cultural legend.
Speaking on a forthcoming episode of the Mic On podcast, 2Baba firmly rejected the comparison, stressing that it diminishes Fela’s legacy while also placing an unnecessary burden on Wizkid’s career. According to him, drawing parallels between the two musicians overlooks the vastly different eras in which they operated and the distinct roles they played in shaping Nigerian music.
The African Queen crooner explained that Fela was more than just a musician, describing him as a revolutionary figure whose influence went far beyond entertainment. In contrast, Wizkid represents a modern generation of artistes who have taken Nigerian music to the global stage through contemporary sounds and platforms.
“Comparing Fela with Wizkid is ridiculous,” 2Baba said. “Apart from the fact that it is disrespectful to Fela, it is also unfair to Wizkid.”
He added that both artistes should be appreciated for their individual contributions, noting that while Wizkid has achieved remarkable global success, Fela’s impact as a cultural, political, and musical trailblazer remains unmatched.
