Charly Boy reacts to Fela–Wizkid comparison, says greatness depends on perspective
Veteran entertainer and activist, Charly Boy, popularly known as Area Fada, has weighed in on the ongoing debate comparing Afrobeats star Wizkid to late Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
Recall that the comparison had started when Seun Kuti called out Wizkid’s fans over crowning the afrobeats singer as the new Fela.
However, Wizkid who berated him, stated that he is greater than his father, the legendary Fela Kuti.
Charly Boy weighs in
Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Charly Boy dismissed the comparison as misguided, stating that such arguments often come from a lack of depth and historical understanding.
He suggested that while younger people may argue based on popularity and fame, elders tend to assess impact and substance.
In his post, Charly Boy highlighted the contrasting legacies of both artistes, noting that Wizkid represents modern stardom, global recognition, commercial success, and entertainment, while Fela stood for resistance, truth, and social consciousness.
Charly Boy speaks on uniqueness of each
He explained that Wizkid makes music that entertains and offers escape, while Fela’s music challenged oppression and awakened minds. According to him, Wizkid dominates charts and stages, whereas Fela ruled conscience and activism.
Charly Boy emphasized that comparing the two is unnecessary, stressing that they belong to different eras and fought different battles.
He likened them to fire and water, saying both are powerful in their own ways but cannot be measured by the same standard. He added that greatness should not be about who is “bigger,” but about who touches the soul more.
His words …
“Wiz and Fela.
“Who Big Pass?”
Small boys go write/talk like small boys.
Elders go make you think.
Wizkid dey sing for crowd,
stadium full, light dey flash,
money dey talk, awards dey stack,
world dey shout: Starboy!
Fela no need spotlight,
him own be fire for chest,
kalakuta be him stage,
truth be him microphone.
Wizkid dey make dem dance,
make pain small, make joy flow,
Fela dey make dem think,
make fear run, make mind wake.
One dey rule charts,
one rule conscience.
One dey give sweet escape,
one dey give hard reality.
So who big pass?
Na who you dey measure am by.
If na fame and cruise — Wizkid.
If na fight and freedom — Fela.
But hear me well, my people:
River and fire no dey compete.
One cool your body,
one burn your chain.
Different time, different battle,
different kind of greatness.
No be who big pass…
Na who touch your soul pass. 🎶🔥
Na him Fada wan Know jare”
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