Veteran Nigerian singer Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Face or 2Baba, has weighed in on the ongoing debate comparing Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti with contemporary music superstar Wizkid, firmly rejecting the comparison and describing it as inappropriate.
Speaking during a recent appearance on the Mic On Podcast monitored by Persecondnews, the music legend said placing both artists side by side was “ridiculous,” arguing that such comparisons fail to properly understand the depth, era, and cultural weight of Fela’s legacy, while also doing a disservice to Wizkid’s own achievements.
According to 2Face, Fela was not just a musician but a movement whose influence went far beyond entertainment.
He explained that Fela’s music, activism, and lifestyle were deeply tied to political resistance, social consciousness, and the shaping of Afrobeat as a genre that challenged authority and global perceptions of African music.
He stressed that comparing Fela to any modern artiste overlooks the historical context in which the late icon operated.
“Fela is Fela. There can never be another Fela,” 2Face noted, emphasizing that the late musician’s impact was rooted in a different time, struggle, and purpose that cannot be replicated.
At the same time, the award-winning singer cautioned against framing the debate in a way that diminishes Wizkid’s success.
He acknowledged that the Grammy-winning artiste has built a remarkable global career, taking Afrobeats to international audiences and redefining Nigerian pop music on the world stage.
“It’s disrespectful to Fela, and at the same time unfair to Wizkid,” 2Face said, noting that Wizkid should be celebrated for his own journey, achievements, and influence rather than being measured against a legend from a completely different era.
2Face concluded by urging music lovers and commentators to appreciate Nigerian music across generations without forcing comparisons.
He maintained that both Fela and Wizkid are giants in their own right, each representing different chapters in the evolution of Nigerian and African music, and deserving recognition on their own terms.
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