Yeni Kuti Addresses The Wizkid–Seun Kuti Dispute And Supports Fela’s Legacy

Yeni Kuti, the first daughter of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, has addressed the ongoing online conflict between her younger brother, Seun Kuti, and acclaimed singer Wizkid, expressing her disappointment regarding what she views as an unwarranted attack on her late father.

In a recent appearance on TVC’s Your View on January 22, 2026, Yeni clarified that her remarks were not intended as an attack on Wizkid, whom she considers a close friend, but were triggered by the involvement of Fela’s name in a personal disagreement.

“I have a lot of affection for Wizkid; he is my friend,” she stated. “I remember when he started at the Shrine as a backup singer. I cannot stop liking Wizkid.”

However, Yeni pointed out that the nature of the dispute changed when her father’s name was brought into the conversation.

“He crossed a line by insulting my father, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti,” she remarked. “If you have a disagreement with someone, why then involve Fela?”

The conflict began earlier in the week as a heated exchange between Seun Kuti and Wizkid on social media. What started as differing opinions quickly escalated into personal attacks, engaging fans, critics, and cultural commentators across the country. The situation intensified after references to Fela’s legacy were made, leading to widespread criticism.

Yeni expressed a desire for a different approach to the situation, especially from Wizkid, who she believes could have helped reduce the tension at an earlier stage.

“I wish that at the outset, he could have intervened to prevent it from escalating to its current state,”

she noted.

She also reflected on the timing of the controversy, highlighting that it coincides with a period of global recognition for Fela’s enduring influence.

“We are on the verge of celebrating our icon at the Grammy, and this is happening as if there is an effort to tarnish something,” she said. “It’s not just Fela or his family that is being affected; it’s Nigeria as a whole.”

Emphasizing her father’s enduring legacy many years after his death, Yeni observed that the ongoing references to Fela only serve to strengthen his impact.

“Fela has been gone for 27 years, and yet you are still invoking his name. That speaks to his greatness.”

Her statements have gained traction online, contributing to a discussion that extends beyond music into broader themes of respect, legacy, and accountability within Nigeria’s cultural landscape.

“I love Wizkid a lot, he’s my friend. I wish at the beginning he’d put a stop to it. We’re just about to celebrate our icon at the Grammy and you’re all fighting. You don’t see Bob Marley people do this.”

— Fela Kuti’s daughter, Yeni Kuti speaks about Wizkid & Seun Kuti beef. pic.twitter.com/5USyxhK9z3

— 𝐀𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐲𝐆𝐑𝐍 (@AsakyGRN) January 22, 2026