Yeni Kuti, daughter of the legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti, has waded into the high-profile dispute between global superstar Wizkid and her brother, Seun Kuti. In a video shared on Thursday, January 22, 2026, she appealed for peace and unity, expressing concern over the escalating tension between the two music heavyweights.
Yeni revealed that she had intentionally stayed out of the public exchange due to her deep personal affection for Wizkid. “I love Wizkid a lot. Wizkid is my padi,” she remarked, using a local term for a close friend. She warned that when industry giants clash, it is the fans and the culture that ultimately suffer.
A Long-Standing Bond
Addressing her refusal to join in the online insults, Yeni highlighted her long history with Wizkid. She recalled his early days in the industry, long before he achieved global superstardom.
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Early Beginnings: Wizkid served as a backup singer at the iconic New Afrika Shrine during his formative years.
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Personal Connection: Because of this history, Yeni stated she could never harbor resentment toward him, describing him as her “small friend.”
Protecting Nigeria’s Cultural Image
Yeni expressed disappointment that the situation was allowed to escalate. She noted that the timing is particularly poor as the nation prepares to celebrate its musical icons at the upcoming Grammy Awards.
According to Yeni, the feud does not just tarnish the Kuti family name; it affects the entire nation. “It is not Fela or the Fela family you are trying to dirty. It is Nigeria,” she cautioned. She drew a comparison to the legacy of Bob Marley, noting that his descendants and peers maintain a level of decorum that preserves his global status.
The Core of the Dispute
The friction between the two camps intensified earlier this week when Seun Kuti accused Wizkid’s fanbase—widely known as Wizkid FC—of disrespecting Fela’s legacy. The fans had reportedly made comparisons between the late Afrobeat icon and Wizkid, which Seun found offensive.
However, Yeni emphasized that Fela’s greatness is already solidified. She pointed out that 27 years after his passing, his name is still at the center of global conversations. She urged critics to focus on current issues rather than attacking those who have already made their mark on history.
“We are one people,” she concluded, calling for an immediate end to the hostility to ensure the focus remains on celebrating Nigerian excellence.
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Is the rivalry between fanbases doing more harm than good for Afrobeat’s global image?
