Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s daughter, Yeni Kuti, has appealed for peace amid the ongoing controversy involving singer Wizkid and the Kuti family, warning that the dispute reflects poorly on Nigeria.
Speaking on TVC’s The View, Yeni said she holds Wizkid in high regard and was disappointed that he did not act early to stop the backlash.
“I love Wizkid a lot. He’s my padi, my small friend. We’ve come a long way together. I remember when he started at the Shrine as a backup singer during Felabration,” she said.
Yeni stressed that she had refused to join in the exchange of insults, noting that public feuds only harm innocent people.
“When two giants fight, it’s the grass that suffers,” she stated. Calling for reconciliation, she urged all parties to mend fences, especially as Nigeria prepares to celebrate Fela’s legacy internationally.
“We are one people. We’re about to celebrate our icon at the Grammy, and you’re all doing this. You’re not dirtying Fela or his family; you’re dirtying Nigeria,” she said.
She also questioned why Fela continues to be attacked years after his d@ath, describing it as proof of his enduring greatness.
“Fela has been dead for 27 years, and you are still mentioning his name. That is the answer to his greatness,” Yeni said.
She urged critics to focus on resolving their differences among themselves and leave the late musician’s legacy untouched.
“Fight yourselves, you that are alive, and leave the man that has done his own and gone,” she added.
