Real: Seun Kuti warns Asake over Wizkid collaboration

Afrobeat musician and activist Seun Kuti has again criticised Nigerian music star Wizkid, this time reacting to the release of  Wizkid’s joint project with singer Asake, Real. Seun made the remarks...

Afrobeat musician and activist Seun Kuti has again criticised Nigerian music star Wizkid, this time reacting to the release of  Wizkid’s joint project with singer Asake, Real.

Promotional artwork showing two male Afrobeats artistes in black leather jackets posing beneath the title Real on a dark background.
‘Real’ EP promotional artwork

Seun made the remarks during an online rant shortly after the EP was released.

In the video, he questioned Wizkid’s relevance and work rate, suggesting that the singer is not as active or in demand as his public image suggests.

According to Seun, Wizkid has not announced any major shows this year and is relying on the collaboration with Asake to regain attention.

He argued that genuinely busy artistes usually publicise their performances and tour dates, pointing to his own schedule as an example.

Seun also accused Wizkid of mobilising fans rather than allowing the music to speak for itself, insisting that success should come from consistent work rather than hype.

He went on to warn Asake, describing the singer as “innocent” and urging him to be careful about the collaboration.

“Asake should be careful,” Seun said, suggesting that the project could benefit Wizkid more than Asake. He added that artistes should protect their individuality and avoid being used to revive another person’s career.

The comments are the latest in a series of public criticisms by Seun, who has been in recent weeks at loggerheads with Wizkid and his fan base over what he describes as misplaced ideas of greatness in the Nigerian music industry.

Seun has repeatedly criticised Wizkid FC, accusing the fan base of online harassment and unhealthy celebrity worship.

He has also rejected comparisons between Wizkid and his late father, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, arguing that Fela’s legacy was built on activism, sacrifice and political resistance rather than commercial success.

Although Seun initially said his criticism was directed at fan culture and not Wizkid personally, the exchange has since escalated into direct attacks on the singer.

Wizkid has since responded with social media posts dismissing Seun and making controversial claims about his status and influence.

Seun Anikulapo-Kuti is the youngest son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and the leader of the Egypt 80 band. He has built an international career with the group, performing across Europe, the United States and Africa.

Wizkid, whose real name is Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, remains one of Nigeria’s most successful music exports, while Real, his collaboration with Asake, was highly anticipated by fans.

Suliyat Tella

Guardian Life

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