When the noise dies down and social media moves on to the next outrage, what remains are lessons; quiet, uncomfortable, but necessary. The Seun Kuti vs Wizkid conversation was never really about two men beefing. It was about culture, legacy, expectations, and how Nigerians relate to talent and influence.
Legacy Shapes Perspective, Not Obligation
Seun Kuti as an artist feels obligated to be a cultural custodian, at least based on the son of who he is. He inherited a legacy built on activism, resistance, and speaking truth to power. His worldview is shaped by a lineage that treats silence as complicity. From that lens, expecting artists, especially influential ones, to engage politically feels logical.
Wizkid, on the other hand, represents a different legacy: global pop excellence. His journey is about sound, craft, and taking Nigerian music to the world stage. That legacy is not rooted in protest but in performance.
Lesson:
Legacy explains perspective, but it should not be weaponized to impose obligation. Not every inheritance is meant to be replicated; some are meant to evolve.
Talent Is Not a Contract for Activism
One of the biggest takeaways from this discourse is the dangerous habit of assigning unsolicited roles to talented people. Nigerians often treat success as a public utility once you “blow,” you are expected to speak, act, donate, and represent everyone.
But talent is not a social contract. Being gifted does not automatically mean being equipped or willing to lead social movements.
Lesson:
We must separate admiration from entitlement. Respect people for what they do, not what we want them to become.
Cultural Preservation Takes Many Forms
The Kuti family preserves culture through confrontation by keeping uncomfortable conversations alive. Wizkid preserves culture through elevation, by exporting Nigerian sound to global stages with excellence.
Both are valid. Both are necessary.
Nigerians need to learn that culture is not preserved only through protest songs or political commentary. Sometimes, it is preserved by compelling the world to pay attention through exceptional success rates.
Lesson:
Cultural preservation is multidimensional. There is room for the activist and the global ambassador at the same table.
Respect the Craft, Even When You Disagree
One unfortunate aspect of the debate was how quickly respect for craft disappeared. Disagreement turned into dismissal of effort, consistency, and contribution.
Fela’s cultural labor cannot be reduced to stream numbers and the sizes of arenas sold out concerts, while Wizkid’s discipline, influence, and impact cannot be shrinked to activism.
Lesson:
Critique ideas without erasing effort. Disagreement should never invalidate contribution.
Influence Is Power, but Power Is Personal
Yes, influence comes with power. But how that power is used should remain a personal choice. Forcing responsibility often leads to performative activism, noise without substance.
True impact happens when people operate within their convictions, not under public pressure.
Lesson:
Forced responsibility weakens authenticity. Real change requires willing voices, not coerced ones.
Nigerians Must Learn Nuance
Perhaps the biggest lesson is this: we struggle with nuance. We prefer sides over substance, outrage over understanding. The Seun Kuti vs Wizkid discourse became polarized because we framed it as right vs wrong instead of different philosophies coexisting.
Lesson:
Maturity is learning that two people can be right differently, yet work towards same goal.
Finally
The dust has settled, but the conversation shouldn’t end in bitterness. It should end in growth. Seun Kuti reminds us that culture must be defended. Wizkid reminds us that culture must be refined and projected.
Nigeria needs both.
The real failure would be insisting that only one path is valid.
Prince PHELAR is a Nigerian Stand-up Comedian and a seasoned master of ceremony with undeniable passion for the entertainment space.
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