Ayomide Olaniyan
Nigerian artist Habeeb Okikiola, famously known as Portable, has boldly declared himself the rightful successor to Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
The “Zazoo Zeh” hitmaker shared a fiery video where he positioned himself above contemporary musicians, claiming no one today can match his resilience or influence.
In his words: “Wizkid calls himself the new Fela—but has he ever seen the inside of a prison cell? I’m the Tony Montana of Lagos. If you claim to surpass Fela, have you faced death? Have life crushed you? Have you endured the system’s brutality?
“Your bank balance means nothing. Titles are empty without action.
“I’ve walked paths darker than yours. Locked up, framed, sacrificed wealth and flesh. What have you endured?
“Who have you lifted? I’ve fed the hungry, clothed the naked, touched lives directly—not just through lyrics.
“Bigger than Fela? Impossible. I am the resurrected spirit of rebellion—the true heir.”
Have you slept in the pris0n before? Have you d!e before? How come you are bigger than Fela? Just face the problem Fela faced for three days and see if people won’t leave your back. Fela that d!£d for you is who You’re claiming you’re bigger than?. I’m the new born Fela and I’m… pic.twitter.com/ZWFUR8XEV8
— TENIOLA (@Teeniiola) January 21, 2026
This declaration fuels an ongoing clash between Seun Kuti and Wizkid over Fela’s legacy.
The tension ignited when Seun dismissed comparisons suggesting Wizkid’s superiority, stating such claims erase Fela’s revolutionary essence beyond chart success.
He accused Wizkid’s fanbase of historical revisionism, stressing that activism and artistry aren’t measured by streams alone.
Seun also challenged Wizkid’s adoption of the moniker “Big Bird,” alleging it was his own legacy being co-opted.
Wizkid retaliated on social media, asserting his dominance in today’s music landscape while distancing himself from direct parallels to Fela.
David Ochayi
