Fela Kuti: “What do you know about music?” VDM roasts Wizkid

By Oluwapelumi Oluwayemi

Controversial social commentator Very Dark Man has stirred controversy after releasing a video on Thursday in which he accused Nigerians of consistently disrespecting their music legends.

In the viral video, Very Dark Man argued that Nigeria is “the only country in the world that does not celebrate music legends,” claiming that while other countries honour their greats, Nigerians dismiss veteran artistes as “past glory.”

According to him, the culture of disrespect cuts across generations and genres. He listed several Nigerian music pioneers and veterans whom he believes are routinely ignored or insulted whenever they express opinions on national or industry issues.

“People you are supposed to idolise and respect are called ‘past glory’ in this country,” he said, citing names such as Eldee the Don, African China, Plantation Boiz, Psquare, Remedies, Tony Tetuila, Jazzman Olofin, 9ice, Vector, Sasha P, Asa, Weird MC, 2Face Idibia and Blackface.

Very Dark Man said his comments were prompted by the ongoing social media clash involving Wizkid and members of the Kuti family, particularly Seun Kuti.

He condemned Wizkid’s controversial social media post directed at Seun Kuti, arguing that it had emboldened fans to insult the legacy of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

According to him, while disagreements are normal, Wizkid should have addressed the matter without making comments that, in his view, opened the door for attacks on Fela’s legacy.

Very Dark Man also addressed comparisons between Wizkid and Fela Kuti, especially arguments centred on Grammy Awards. He dismissed claims that Wizkid’s Grammy win places him above the late Afrobeat icon.

Wizkid won a Grammy in 2021 for Best Music Video as a featured artiste on Beyoncé’s Brown Skin Girl, alongside Blue Ivy. Very Dark Man argued that the award was largely influenced by Beyoncé, not Wizkid’s solo artistry.

He further pointed out that Beyoncé has openly celebrated Fela Kuti, recalling how she performed Zombie as a tribute to the late musician and praised him in interviews. He noted that Zombie was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2025 and claimed that Fela is also set to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award.

In contrast, Very Dark Man singled out Burna Boy and Tems as Nigerian artistes whose Grammy wins were based on individual musical contributions.

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

The activist also defended Fela Kuti against criticisms of his personal life, particularly his multiple marriages. He questioned why historical figures like King Solomon are revered despite similar controversies, while Fela is often judged harshly.

He spoke further by insisting that Wizkid, musically and artistically, has not surpassed Fela Kuti or even other members of the Kuti family, including Seun, Femi and Made Kuti.