Yeni Kuti appeals for unity as feud between brother, Wizkid escalates

By Folashade Olorunfemi –

Yeni Kuti, daughter of Afrobeat legend and media personality Fela Anikulapo Kuti, has addressed the ongoing feud between her brother, Seun Kuti, and Afrobeats musician Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid. The TV presenter appealed for peace amid the tense atmosphere between the two musicians.

Speaking on TVC’s Your View, Yeni said she intentionally refrained from interfering in the cyber banter due to the harsh tone of the exchanges. She expressed disappointment that Wizkid did not speak up earlier to halt the controversy, instead of allowing it to escalate.

Yeni said she has respect and affection for Wizkid, adding that they are like family. She recalled that Wizkid once performed as a backup singer during a previous Felabration, the annual celebration of Fela’s legacy.

She also noted that the feud comes at a sensitive time, as Nigerians are preparing to celebrate Fela’s legacy on the global stage. According to her, the controversy is a shame to Nigeria on the global stage, not to Fela, the Afrobeat pioneer, who is long deceased.

Calling for reconciliation, the eldest daughter of Fela said:

“Let us mend fences. We are one people. We are just about to go and celebrate our icon at the Grammy, and you are all getting into this dirty argument. The stain is not only on the Fela family but on Nigeria.

“Do you see Bob Marley’s people disrespecting him? No, they would not do that. Fela started a genre of music; he is an icon. So if you have a problem, why are you attacking him? He has done his own; he has gone.

“Fela has been dead for 27 years and you are still mentioning his name. That is just the answer to his greatness. Can we just respect that, fight fellow living people, and leave the man who has done his own and gone. He should not have been insulted.”