Afrobeat singer Seun Kuti has said his public disagreement with fellow music star Wizkid achieved its purpose by drawing attention to what he considers the proper preservation of his father Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s legacy.
Seun, the youngest son of the late Afrobeat pioneer, made the remarks during an appearance on TVC’s Your View programme in an episode titled Inside the Mind of Seun Anikulapo-Kuti.
Reflecting on the social media clash that dominated online discussions six months ago, Seun insisted the controversy was worthwhile because it highlighted what he described as contradictions in claiming to uphold Fela’s ideals while allegedly allowing his reputation to be undermined.
“I think it achieved a lot. The point I’m trying to make is that it’s still not acceptable for one to claim to be aligned with the ideal of someone and the same person’s team works effectively, like consciously, to drag that person’s name down. That doesn’t make sense to me,” he said.
During the interview, Seun also declined to comment on social media activist VeryDarkMan’s campaign for national change, saying the influencer should be invited to explain his own activities.
When asked whether he believed VeryDarkMan was fighting to liberate Nigeria, Seun responded by questioning whether the activist was giving people money before suggesting the television station invite him for an interview.
He also rejected suggestions that he was arrogant, maintaining that his confidence stems from knowledge rather than self-importance.
“I don’t think I’m arrogant because the authority is that of knowledge, so I can’t put it to myself,” he said.
The interview comes about six months after Seun’s online exchange with Wizkid generated widespread debate over Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s legacy and influence on contemporary Afrobeats.
