Veteran entertainer and social activist Charly Boy, popularly known as Area Fada, has weighed in on the ongoing debate comparing Afrobeats superstar Wizkid to late Afrobeat icon Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
The debate gained momentum after Seun Kuti called out Wizkid’s fans for crowning the singer as the “new Fela.” Wizkid later fired back, declaring that he is greater than Fela, a statement that further fueled reactions across social media.
Reacting via his X (formerly Twitter) account, Charly Boy dismissed the comparison as misguided and rooted in shallow thinking.
According to him, such arguments often come from people who lack historical depth, noting that age, experience, and perspective play a major role in how greatness is measured.
He suggested that while younger generations may judge by fame, numbers, and popularity, elders tend to look at impact, purpose, and substance.
In his post, Charly Boy carefully outlined the difference between both artistes, stressing that they represent two distinct eras and missions.
He described Wizkid as a symbol of modern stardom, global recognition, commercial success, and entertainment, while portraying Fela as a force of resistance, truth, and social consciousness.
According to him, Wizkid’s music offers escape and enjoyment, while Fela’s music confronted oppression and awakened minds.
He explained that Wizkid rules charts and stadiums, whereas Fela ruled conscience and activism.
Charly Boy insisted that comparing the two icons is unnecessary, saying they fought different battles in different times.
He likened them to fire and water—both powerful, but impossible to measure with the same standard. He added that greatness should not be about who is “bigger,” but about who touches the soul more.
Sharing his full thoughts, Charly Boy wrote:
“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.”
As the debate continues online, Charly Boy’s intervention adds a reflective layer, urging fans to appreciate both artistes without forcing comparisons.