‘Outright Disrespect’ – VDM Defends Fela As Wizkid, Seun Kuti Clash Deepens

Social media influencer and activist, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has accused Afrobeat star, Wizkid, of disrespecting the late Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

VDM made the allegation in one of the viral videos released on Thursday, amid the ongoing public clash between Wizkid and Fela’s son, Seun Kuti.

In one of the videos, VeryDarkMan claimed that Wizkid sampled Fela Kuti’s classic song, Zombie, and also referenced Fela’s signature “yeh yeh” adlibs in his music.

He further accused the Grammy-winning singer of lifting lyrics from his 2011 hit song, Holla At Your Boy, alleging that the lines were copied from an earlier song titled Seven by the group GIRLS.

According to him, these actions amounted to disrespect towards the legacy of the Afrobeat legend.

‘Nigeria Doesn’t Honour Its Legends’

In another post shared online, VeryDarkMan lamented what he described as Nigeria’s failure to properly recognise and honour its music legends.

He argued that while other countries celebrate their great artistes, Nigerian pioneers are often dismissed as “past glory.”

Calling out several veteran musicians, VDM said, “People you are supposed to idolise and respect are called ‘past glory’ in this country.”

He listed artistes such as Eldee the Don, African China, Plantation Boiz, P-Square, Remedies, Tony Tetuila, Jazzman Olofin, 9ice, Vector, Sasha P, Asa, Weird MC, 2Face Idibia and Blackface, noting that many of them are either insulted or ignored whenever they speak on national or industry issues.

VeryDarkMan further criticised Wizkid’s comments, claiming they encouraged some of the singer’s fans to insult the late Fela Kuti.

He noted that while disagreements were normal in the music industry, Wizkid should have handled the situation more maturely.

According to him, the debate had gone beyond personal differences and had become an attack on a national icon.

Addressing the ongoing comparisons between Wizkid and Fela Kuti, particularly arguments centred on the Grammy Awards, VDM dismissed claims that Wizkid’s Grammy win placed him above the Afrobeat pioneer.

He argued that Wizkid’s Grammy Award was largely influenced by American music star, Beyoncé, rather than Wizkid’s solo artistry.

Wizkid won a Grammy in 2021 for Best Music Video as a featured artiste on Beyoncé’s Brown Skin Girl, alongside Blue Ivy.

VDM pointed out that Beyoncé herself had repeatedly celebrated Fela Kuti, recalling that she once performed Zombie as a tribute and praised Fela in several interviews.

According to him, Zombie was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2025, while Fela Kuti is also expected to receive a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award.

Burna Boy, Tems Earned Grammys on Merit

In contrast, VeryDarkMan singled out Burna Boy and Tems as Nigerian artistes whose Grammy wins, he said, were based purely on individual musical contributions.

He referenced Burna Boy’s Best Global Music Album win for Twice As Tall and Tems’ multiple Grammy awards, arguing that their recognitions were a direct reflection of artistic merit.

The activist also came to the defence of Fela Kuti over criticisms of his personal life, particularly his multiple marriages.

He questioned why historical figures like King Solomon were widely revered despite similar controversies, while Fela continued to face harsh judgment.

VeryDarkMan insisted that Wizkid, musically and artistically, had not surpassed Fela Kuti or other members of the Kuti dynasty, including Femi Kuti, Seun Kuti and Made Kuti.

According to him, the Kuti family’s enduring influence on African music and global cultural discourse remains unmatched by many contemporary stars.