Social media influencer and activist, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly acknowledged as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has accused Afrobeat megastar, Wizkid, of disrespecting the leisurely Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
VDM made the allegation in a single of the viral movies launched on Thursday, amid the continuing public clash between Wizkid and Fela’s son, Seun Kuti.
In one of the most flicks, VeryDarkMan claimed that Wizkid sampled Fela Kuti’s classic tune, Zombie, and furthermore referenced Fela’s signature “yeh yeh” adlibs in his tune.
He further accused the Grammy-a hit singer of lifting lyrics from his 2011 hit tune, Holla At Your Boy, alleging that the traces were copied from an earlier tune titled Seven by the group GIRLS.
In step with him, these actions amounted to disrespect towards the legacy of the Afrobeat fable.
‘Nigeria Doesn’t Honour Its Legends’
In every other put up shared on-line, VeryDarkMan lamented what he described as Nigeria’s failure to neatly recognise and honour its tune legends.
He argued that while diversified countries hold a good time their huge artistes, Nigerian pioneers are generally disregarded as “past glory.”
Calling out several aged musicians, VDM stated, “Individuals that you would be in a position to furthermore perchance be purported to idolise and respect are called ‘past glory’ in this nation.”
He listed artistes comparable to Eldee the Don, African China, Plantation Boiz, P-Square, Treatments, Tony Tetuila, Jazzman Olofin, 9ice, Vector, Sasha P, Asa, Unfamiliar MC, 2Face Idibia and Blackface, noting that many of them are both insulted or passed over on every occasion they command on nationwide or industry points.
VeryDarkMan further criticised Wizkid’s comments, claiming they inspired one of the most critical singer’s fans to insult the leisurely Fela Kuti.
He renowned that while disagreements were customary in the tune industry, Wizkid will deserve to hold handled the scenario more maturely.
In step with him, the debate had long past past deepest differences and had change into an attack on a nationwide icon.
Addressing the continuing comparisons between Wizkid and Fela Kuti, seriously arguments centred on the Grammy Awards, VDM disregarded claims that Wizkid’s Grammy procure placed him above the Afrobeat pioneer.
He argued that Wizkid’s Grammy Award used to be largely influenced by American tune megastar, Beyoncé, in desire to Wizkid’s solo artistry.
Wizkid won a Grammy in 2021 for Ideal Song Video as a featured artiste on Beyoncé’s Brown Pores and skin Lady, alongside Blue Ivy.
VDM pointed out that Beyoncé herself had many conditions renowned Fela Kuti, recalling that she as soon as conducted Zombie as a tribute and praised Fela in several interviews.
In step with him, Zombie used to be inducted into the Grammy Hall of Popularity in 2025, while Fela Kuti is furthermore expected to procure 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 stated, were based entirely mostly purely on person musical contributions.
He referenced Burna Boy’s Ideal World Song Album procure for Twice As Huge and Tems’ more than one Grammy awards, arguing that their recognitions were a advise reflection of inventive benefit.
The activist furthermore came to the defence of Fela Kuti over criticisms of his deepest existence, seriously his more than one marriages.
He puzzled why historic figures like King Solomon were widely revered despite identical controversies, while Fela persisted to face harsh judgment.
VeryDarkMan insisted that Wizkid, musically and artistically, had now not surpassed Fela Kuti or diversified participants of the Kuti dynasty, together with Femi Kuti, Seun Kuti and Made Kuti.
In step with him, the Kuti household’s enduring influence on African tune and world cultural discourse remains unmatched by many contemporary stars.
