Veteran entertainer and activist, Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has weighed in on the ongoing social media dispute involving Grammy-winning singer Wizkid and Afrobeat musician Seun Kuti, son of the late Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
The controversy was sparked after Wizkid, during an online exchange, described himself as greater than the late Fela, a remark that drew sharp criticism from Seun Kuti. Seun had earlier accused Wizkid’s fanbase of disrespecting his father’s legacy by drawing comparisons between the two musicians, before responding with a sarcastic remark aimed at the singer.
Reacting to the debate via his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Wednesday, Charly Boy dismissed the comparison as unnecessary, stressing that both artistes represent different eras, purposes and forms of musical influence.
The 75-year-old maverick acknowledged Wizkid’s global success and mainstream appeal, noting that his music is largely built around entertainment and celebration. He contrasted this with Fela’s body of work, which he described as deeply rooted in social consciousness and political resistance.
“Wizkid dey sing for crowd, stadium full, light dey flash, money dey talk, awards dey stack, world dey shout: Starboy! Fela no need spotlight, him own be fire for chest, Kalakuta be him stage. Truth be him microphone,” Charly Boy wrote.
He further added: “One dey rule charts, one dey rule conscience. One dey give sweet escape, one dey give hard reality.”
Charly Boy concluded that the question of who is greater ultimately depends on individual values, arguing that greatness should not be measured by popularity alone.
According to him, while Wizkid may lead in terms of fame and commercial success, Fela remains unmatched in his fight for freedom and social justice.
“Different time, different battle, different kind of greatness. No be who big pass… Na who touch your soul pass,” he stated.
