Wizkid Is Great, Fela Is Greatness — Ope Banwo Weighs In On Viral Music Debate

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Founder of Stingomania Records, Dr. Ope Banwo, has weighed in on the trending comparison between Wizkid and Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, describing the debate as unnecessary and fundamentally flawed.

‎Speaking on the issue, Banwo acknowledged Wizkid’s global success and cultural relevance, noting that the Grammy-winning singer has earned his place as one of Africa’s most influential modern artistes.

‎“Wizkid is a global superstar — hitmaker, awards, stadiums, vibes. I give him his respect. He is indeed a bad boy,” Banwo said.

‎However, the music executive drew a clear line between contemporary stardom and historic influence, stressing that Fela operated on a completely different level.

‎“Fela was a transgenerational force of nature who used music as a weapon — not just to entertain, but to transform culture, rebellion, identity, and consciousness, all while compelling the nation to dance to his sound,” he stated.

‎Banwo argued that Wizkid should be compared with artistes of his era rather than with the creator of Afrobeat.

‎“You compare Wizkid to other modern superstars — Burna Boy, Davido, Drake, whoever. But you compare Fela to revolutionaries — people who shifted history, not just music charts,” he said.

‎According to him, the comparison ignores the fact that Fela didn’t simply dominate a genre but created one from scratch.

‎“You can’t compare the creator of a genre — someone who carved a new sound from nothing — to the best practitioners who were inspired by that same creation,” Banwo explained.

‎He described the ongoing debate as futile, likening it to comparing a father and son in the same breath.

‎“Fela is the daddy of Afrobeat, and Wizkid is a great son who has taken the game to the next level, as any successful product should. Fela’s shadow helped shape the world Wizkid is shining in. So what exactly are you measuring?” he asked.

‎Banwo added that the debate should not be mistaken for rivalries between contemporaries.

‎“This is not a ‘Sunny Ade versus Ebenezer Obey’ conversation,” he said.

‎He concluded by reaffirming Wizkid’s greatness while placing Fela in a league of his own.

‎“So yes, Wizkid is great. But there is great… and then there is Great.”