Veteran Nigerian music star Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has condemned ongoing comparisons between Afrobeats sensation Wizkid and late Afrobeat icon Fela Kuti, describing the debate as “ridiculous” and disrespectful.
Speaking on the Mic On podcast, the award-winning singer said placing both artistes side by side diminishes Fela’s towering legacy while also doing a disservice to Wizkid’s accomplishments.
“Comparing Fela with Wizkid is ridiculous. Apart from the fact that it is disrespectful to Fela, it is also unfair to Wizkid,” 2Baba stated.
The renewed controversy follows recent public exchanges between Wizkid and Seun Kuti, during which the Afrobeats star reportedly claimed to be “bigger” than the Afrobeat legend in response to criticism—remarks that sparked intense reactions across social media and the wider music industry.
2Baba emphasized that both artistes belong to different eras and creative environments, insisting that their contributions should be appreciated on their own merits. According to him, comparisons fail to account for the distinct historical contexts and cultural roles that shaped their work.
He urged fans and critics alike to celebrate individual legacies rather than engage in what he termed unproductive debates.
The singer, who recently marked 25 years in the music industry, remains one of Africa’s most influential voices. He rose to fame with the group Plantashun Boiz before launching a successful solo career that has spanned more than two decades.
The debate comes amid renewed global recognition of Fela Kuti’s impact. On January 31, 2026, the Afrobeat pioneer was posthumously honoured with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, becoming the first African artiste to receive the prestigious Special Merit Award.
