Olamide crowns Wizkid as greatest after Fela Kuti – Nigerians react
During a recent interview, veteran rapper-boss Olamide dropped a statement that grabbed headlines: he believes that after Fela Kuti, the title of greatest Afrobeats artist ever goes to Wizkid. The comment ignited social media, bringing to mind past debates like when Burna Boy claimed to be “best after Fela” and was met with major backlash.
Nigeria’s music scene never sleeps — especially when legends and legacies are involved. A new ripple appeared when Olamide publicly declared that he views Wizkid as the greatest Afrobeats artist of all-time after Fela Kuti.
Olamide’s Claim
Speaking in a media chat, Olamide said:
“After Fela, Wizkid is the key one.”
While he didn’t unpack every reason, the statement came with weight—Olamide is both a rap don and label boss, so his words carry respect.
Why It Matters
In Nigerian music, Fela Kuti’s name still sits on a throne. He invented Afrobeat, defined culture, protest music and global African sound.
For a current act like Wizkid to be placed directly after Fela by a peer like Olamide is a statement loaded with meaning:
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It suggests Wizkid’s cultural impact, global reach and consistency rival historic icons.
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It raises questions about how we measure “greatest” — streams, hit repertoire, influence, innovation or era-making.
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It sparks debate: Is Olamide pointing to Afrobeats (genre) or Afrobeats artists (style/pop)?
Context from the Industry
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Wizkid’s album Made in Lagos made waves globally, and his track “Essence” helped Afrobeats cross into mainstream spaces.
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Olamide himself remains a heavy influence in Nigerian music — recent reports show his 2025 album dominated streaming platforms.
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The label “greatest ever” is not new to Nigerian stars: Burna Boy made similar claims in the past and got roasted online for it.
Reactions: Mixed and Lively
Fans and commentators coasted straight into the comment section:
“Wizkid the greatest? Na you go talk oh — what about Burna and Davido?”
“Fela still untouched, everything else is just noise looping around his shadow.”
The debate highlights something crucial: greatness in music is not just about numbers, but about era-defining moments, lasting impact and legacy.
What This Could Lead To
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A deeper analysis of artist legacies: Who will be studied in music history books in 20 years?
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Fresh narratives around Afrobeats — how the genre’s evolution is shaped by its icons.
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Potential rivalry fuel: other artists may respond, defend or stake their own claims.
Conclusion
Olamide’s bold claim that Wizkid is the greatest after Fela Kuti doesn’t just flatter one artist — it centres a debate. It challenges fans, critics and industry watchers to define what “greatest” means in the realm of African music. Whether you agree or not, one thing is clear: Nigerian music has entered a moment where legacy, not just hits, matters.