Seunfunmi Joshua
Yesterday, Monday 29th April 2024 will be an unforgettable day for many as one of Nigeria’s biggest exports in mainstream music Wizkid, popularly known as Big Wiz, caused a lot of uproar amongst fans and fellow musicians alike after some major claims he made.
Wizkid has undoubtedly cemented his status as one of Nigeria’s most prominent and influential musicians over the years, however, beyond his musical prowess, he has also made headlines for stirring up controversy on various occasions, often sparking uproar on the internet. From public feuds with colleagues to controversial statements and actions, Big Wiz has been at the center of several heated debates that have captured the attention of fans and critics alike.
Here are five (5) times Big Wiz has caused an uproar on the internet:
- Wizkid Slamming Reekado Banks During The End Sars Movement
Recall in 2020, Wizkid blasted ex -Mavin signee Reekado Banks, for trying to release a new song amid the ongoing #EndSars movement.
Reekado Banks initially posted on X (formerly Twitter) that his latest single titled ‘Omo Ologo’ featuring Wizkid was dropping on Friday and included the #EndSARS hashtag.
“Out of control, gbedu must drop. This one with my brother @wizkidayo “OMO OLOMO” midnight dropping Fire Still on the matter !!! #EndSWAT #EndSARS #EndPoliceBrutality,’’ his tweet read.
Wizkid then replied, “Delete this dude ! Can’t believe you’re even doing this at a time like this. Old song ! #endsars fool!”
Wizkid has since deleted his tweet and response on Reekado’s post.
Wizkid’s snide remarks attracted diverse opinions online with many saying the singer should have reached out privately to his colleague rather than openly calling him out.
- Wizkid Going Head To Head With Linda Ikeji
Popular Nigerian blogger, Linda Ikeji was brought to wrath by Wizkid when the blogger claimed that he was given quit notice at the Lekki home he claimed he bought some years ago, which he actually rented.
In Wizkid’s reply to her, he threatened to beat up the blogger amongst the other insulting words he used on the blogger.
- Wizkid Calling Davido Frog Voice During Royal Albert Hall Concert
The longstanding feud between two of Nigeria’s “big three,” , has been brewing for quite some time. One notable incident occurred during several online disputes between their respective fanbases.
At Wizkid’s Royal Albert Hall Concert in 2017, he indirectly mocked Davido’s voice, likening it to that of a frog, intensifying their feud.
- Wizkid Claiming He’s Not An Afrobeats Artiste
The Nigerian pop star took to his Instagram stories earlier in March to tell fans that his upcoming album is “done.” In the process, he warned that his sound would be different to his earlier works and shared his frustrations with being labelled an “Afrobeats” artist.
“If you like Afrobeats, please don’t download my album!” said Wizkid. “I’m not a fucking Afrobeats artiste! Don’t call me that, hoe! I’m not Afro anything, bitch!’”
In a longer message, the ‘Ojuelegba’ star also mentioned that his 2020 album ‘Made In Lagos’ was “not an ‘Afrobeats’ album.”
I’ve made songs from different genres of music. ‘Made In Lagos’ is not an ‘Afrobeats’ album. That’s a fusion of different sounds. Real music! The word ‘Afrobeats’ was made up by y’all to put all we Africans make in one box. Legendary afro-pop pioneer Fela Kuti created Afrobeat!! I make all sorts of music. A fusion of sounds!
- Wizkid Calling Don Jazzy An Influencer
In response to a comment made by Ladipoe, an artist signed to Mavin Records, Wizkid once again attacked the rapper, stating that he had no interest in engaging in a war of words with an artist signed to an influencer.
This recent incident adds to Wizkid’s pattern of publicly criticizing his colleagues on social media. This particular incident has sparked outrage among many internet users, who see it as blatantly disrespectful towards a senior colleague whose influence on his career is undeniable.
Final Thoughts
Some speculate that this behavior could be a publicity stunt to promote his forthpcoming project, “Morayo,” set to be released soon while for some it’s a matter of professionalism and mutual respect for colleagues in the music industry.
Keep an eye out on our page for further updates.
