TRUE ACTIVISM NEEDS NO RING LIGHT: HONORING FELA’S LEGACY, WIZKID'S GREATNESS, AND QUIET CHAMPIONS OF CHANGE
ACTIVISM BEHIND THE RING LIGHT: FELA, WIZKID, AND SEUN KUTI
We all agree on one thing:
Fela was an activist.
Not ony, the originator of Afrobeat;
He used him music to communicate grievances—many of which still affect the Nigerian and African man today.
Unfortunately, many today are losing touch with history and the true legacy of Baba Fela.
Nigerian schools don't teach history.
Worse still, aggressive and uncouth attacks from Seun Kuti directed at Wizkid and his fans are completely the wrong approach.
Seun, shouldn't have done that.
My motivation for this blog comes from years of quietly advocating for Fela’s recognition, especially his deserved Grammy acknowledgment.
Here are screenshots of tweets from the past, emphasis on the dates.
Nobody in the Fela family sent me this.
I know, what Fela deserves.
One of it, being what Seun's fight threatens to delete; the very greatness, that younger generations want to be like Fela and even greater.
That a standard.
Praise God,
January 31, 2026, Fela was honoured posthumously with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at the Special Merit Awards Ceremony during Grammy Week in Los Angeles.
This made him the first African artist to receive this prestigious lifetime recognition from the Recording Academy
In our quiet corners, we raise our glasses to the fruitfulness of genuine and offline activism.
No ring lights.
Just one, just his conscience.
Only the light of truth.
Only, a small voice.
Armed with hope.
Our fight was with the Awarding Academy, whose recognition will finally immortalise Fela Anikulapo Kuti.
They're the one to make the Big Recognition.
Not, anyone else in real life.
Not anyone on social media.
But Wizkid shouldn’t be attacked—he didn’t attack Fela.
He responded.
True Activism Doesn’t Need a Ring Light
The truth is, activism is born from an undying desire to bring positive societal change.
It’s a default button in true activists—auto-triggered whenever and wherever injustice occurs.
It doesn’t need a ring light.
Injustices may happen at the least expected moments, and a true activist will not look away simply because their phone battery is low or because they don’t have a perfect lighting setup.
Activism is different from social media influencing.
While both give a voice, activism is a service to humanity, whereas influencing thrives on algorithms, trends, likes, and reposts.
True activism often goes against the crowd, prioritizing truth and justice over popularity, while influencing chases trends and engagement.
Quiet Campaigners Keep Fela’s Legacy Alive
I am not a member of the Kuti family, and I don’t identify as part of Wizkid FC—or any fan base for Nigeria’s popular influencers.
Yet, for years, I have quietly campaigned for a Fela Grammy and celebrated his impact wherever possible.
These efforts predate the social media “ring light” era.
They are driven by genuine respect and passion for Fela, not public applause.
Others like me—who speak up opportunely without setting up a ring light—keep the spirit of Fela alive quietly, consistently, and sincerely.
Wizkid and the New Legends
At the same time, let’s acknowledge that Wizkid is also a legend, alongside 2baba, Davido, Burna Boy, Rema, and other Nigerian international acts selling out stadiums worldwide.
Their greatness builds on the foundation laid by Fela, bringing Afrobeat and Nigerian music to the global stage.
Activism Is Heart, Not Spotlight
Truthfully, activism does not need a ring light, viral trends, or constant public attention.
It requires a genuine heart for justice and change.
Shoutout to all the unsung voices—mine included—who keep Fela’s spirit alive through quiet, consistent advocacy.
And yes,
Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, Rema, 2baba, and the rest are legends, building on that foundation in their own powerful ways. 🇳🇬
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