Social media influencer and activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has accused Afrobeat star Wizkid of showing disrespect to Nigerian music legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti.
In a viral video released on Thursday, VDM lamented what he described as Nigeria’s failure to properly honour its music legends, noting that while other countries celebrate their pioneers, Nigerian icons are often dismissed as “past glory.”
According to him, veteran artistes who speak out on national or industry issues are frequently ignored or insulted, rather than respected for their contributions.
His comments come amid the ongoing clash between Seun Kuti and Wizkid.
Listing artistes such as Eldee the Don, African China, Plantation Boiz, P-Square, Remedies, Tony Tetuila, Jazzman Olofin, 9ice, Vector, Sasha P, Asa, Weird MC, 2Face Idibia and Blackface, VDM said Nigerians often fail to appreciate those who laid the foundation of the music industry.
“People you are supposed to idolise and respect are called ‘past glory’ in this country,” he said.
VDM further criticised Wizkid’s remarks, claiming they had emboldened some of his fans to insult Fela Kuti. While admitting that disagreements are normal, he argued that Wizkid should have handled the situation with more restraint.
Addressing comparisons between Wizkid and Fela Kuti, especially arguments centred on Grammy Awards, VDM dismissed claims that Wizkid’s Grammy win places him above the late Afrobeat icon.
He argued that Wizkid’s Grammy, won in 2021 for Best Music Video as a featured artiste on Beyoncé’s Brown Skin Girl, was largely influenced by Beyoncé’s global stature and should not be regarded as a solo artistic achievement.
According to VDM, “that is not a real Grammy” in terms of individual recognition.
He contrasted this with the Grammy wins of Burna Boy and Tems, describing theirs as products of direct artistic contribution. He cited Burna Boy’s Twice As Tall winning Best Global Music Album and Tems’ multiple Grammy awards as examples.
VDM also highlighted Beyoncé’s repeated tributes to Fela Kuti, including her performance of Zombie and her public praise of the Afrobeat pioneer. He noted that Zombie was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2025, while Fela Kuti is also expected to receive a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award.
Defending Fela against criticisms of his personal life, particularly his multiple marriages, VDM questioned why other historical figures with similar controversies are celebrated, while Fela continues to be judged harshly.
He maintained that Wizkid has not surpassed Fela Kuti musically or culturally, nor members of the Kuti dynasty such as Femi Kuti, Seun Kuti and Made Kuti.
According to him, the Kuti family’s influence on African music and global cultural discourse remains unmatched by many contemporary artistes.