Media personality Ifedayo Olarinde, popularly known as Daddy Freeze, has spoken on the heated online debates comparing global Afrobeats sensation Wizkid to Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
In a recent video broadcast, Daddy Freeze firmly stated that such comparisons are invalid, emphasising that Fela’s legacy extends far beyond music into profound activism and sacrifice.
He described Fela not merely as a musician but as a dedicated freedom fighter, philanthropist, and staunch critic of oppressive governance.
Daddy Freeze argued that Wizkid would need to demonstrate similar real-world courage before any legitimate parallel could be drawn.
He said, “Until Wizkid is ready to stand up and stone the government, he shouldn’t compare himself to Fela”.
He highlighted Fela’s harrowing experiences, including brutal imprisonments, physical assaults, and his 1995 release from prison due to illness to prevent public outrage if he died in custody.
“Did you know that Fela was released from prison just to prevent him from dying there?. They released him to go and die at his home because they knew his death would spark an uproar if he died in the prison. That was 1995, I was a fresher in the university then,” he added.
The broadcaster stressed that Fela was no mere troublemaker; his activism and music were inseparable, forming a powerful tool for social and political change.
“Fela was not a troublemaker; he was a freedom fighter. We are talking about music, but I cannot talk about Fela, if I don’t talk about everything he stood for. His activism and music went hand-in-glove. You can’t separate the two,” he added.
