VDM comes for ‘Twitter children’ over Fela Kuti, Wizkid

By Oluwapelumi Oluwayemi

Controversial social commentator Very Dark Man has criticised what he described as the disrespect of Nigerian music legends by younger social media users, popularly referred to as “Twitter children,” amid the ongoing online dispute involving Wizkid and the Kuti family.

In a video shared online on Thursday, Very Dark Man argued that Nigeria is “the only country in the world that does not have music legends,” blaming the trend on a culture that labels veteran artistes as “past glory.”

He compared Nigeria with other countries, noting that the United States celebrates figures like Dr Dre, Jamaica honours dancehall icons such as Beenie Man, while reggae legends like Bob Marley and Lucky Dube are widely respected globally.

According to him, Nigerian pioneers are routinely dismissed whenever they express opinions, naming Eldee the Don, African China, Plantashun Boiz, Psquare, Remedies, Tony Tetuila, Jazzman Olofin, 9ice, Vector, Sasha P, Asa, Weird MC, 2Face Idibia and Blackface as examples.

“You people have disrespected those you are supposed to idolise,” he said, accusing social media users of erasing history in the name of fan wars.

Very Dark Man said his comments were triggered by the online exchange between Wizkid and members of the Kuti family, including Seun Kuti.

While stating that he had no personal issue with Wizkid or Seun Kuti, the activist criticised Wizkid’s social media response to Seun, arguing that it encouraged fans to insult the late Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

He maintained that the backlash went beyond Wizkid and Seun, saying it opened the door for younger fans to question Fela’s legacy and relevance.

Addressing claims that Wizkid’s Grammy win places him above Fela Kuti, Very Dark Man dismissed the comparison. He pointed out that Wizkid’s Grammy came from his feature on Brown Skin Girl by Beyoncé, which won Best Music Video, and argued that the award was influenced largely by Beyoncé’s global stature.

To support his argument, he played clips of Beyoncé performing Zombie in tribute to Fela and referenced her past interviews where she described Fela as a major artistic influence.

He also highlighted that Zombie was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2025, adding that Fela’s impact extends far beyond awards.

Very Dark Man contrasted Wizkid’s Grammy with wins by Burna Boy, who won Best Global Music Album for Twice As Tall, and Tems, who has also received Grammy recognition for her work.

According to him, those awards reflected individual artistic contributions rather than collaborations.

He further defended Fela Kuti against criticisms of his personal life, questioning why historical figures like King Solomon are revered despite similar controversies.