Seun Kuti: I received $120,000 purely for being Fela's son

Afrobeat torchbearer Seun Kuti disclosed he recently received $120,000 purely for being the son of late legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti, declaring his father's legacy continues to bless him from the grave. He made the statement during an Instagram Live session on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, while addressing fans of global Afrobeats star Wizkid in a dispute over the nickname 'Big Bird'.

The controversy erupted after a Wizkid fan urged Seun to drop the moniker, arguing Wizkid is the 'Biggest Bird'. Seun rejected the suggestion, stating the name had been associated with him long before Wizkid's rise and accusing Wizkid of stealing his identity. He challenged the singer to create something original instead.

The exchange escalated as Seun accused Wizkid's team, including DJ Tunez, of implicitly supporting comparisons between Wizkid and the late Fela by failing to shut them down. He warned he would confront them directly if necessary, framing the debate as one about cultural impact versus commercial chart success.

Seun emphasised that his father's teachings, philosophy, and revolutionary spirit continue to open doors decades after Fela's 1997 death, calling legacy "alive, active, and deeply intertwined with the present." His remarks have sparked intense online reactions, with supporters applauding his defense of lineage while critics accuse him of leaning too heavily on his father's name.

The statement highlights ongoing tensions in Nigeria's Afrobeats scene between generational influence and contemporary stardom, with cultural identity and artistic originality at the core of the debate.

SOURCE: https://guardian.ng/saturday-magazine/weekend-beats/fela-still-blessing-me-from-the-grave-seun-kuti/