Former senator and human rights activist, Shehu Sani, has weighed in on the ongoing public clash involving music star Wizkid and Afrobeat heir Seun Kuti, offering a broader reflection on the enduring legacy of the late Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
In a post shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, Sani described Fela as a figure whose influence transcended music and entertainment, portraying him instead as a symbol of resistance, courage, and social justice.
“The greatness of Fela is beyond music and entertainment. He was a symbol of resistance against oppression and injustice,” Sani wrote. “He survived imprisonment, torture and death in the pursuit and defence of his principles. He planted the seeds of freedom enjoyed by the generations after him.”
Sani’s comments come amid heated exchanges between Wizkid and Seun Kuti, which have sparked widespread debate on social media over legacy, influence, and ownership of Afrobeat’s cultural heritage. While the clash has drawn strong reactions from fans and commentators, Sani’s intervention sought to refocus attention on Fela’s historical significance rather than contemporary rivalries.
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According to the former lawmaker, Fela’s impact cannot be confined to artistic achievement alone, stressingfwla that his fearless opposition to military dictatorship and social injustice defined him as a global icon of resistance.
“He is incomparable with any artist, living or dead,” Sani added, underscoring the singular place Fela occupies in Nigeria’s cultural and political history.
Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, who died in 1997, remains one of Africa’s most influential cultural figures, celebrated not only for pioneering Afrobeat but also for using his music as a weapon against corruption, authoritarianism, and inequality. Decades after his death, debates around his legacy continue to resonate across generations, highlighting the lasting relevance of his ideals in Nigeria’s social and political discourse.