Wizkid used comparison with Fela for promotion – Baba Fryo

Veteran musician Baba Fryo has expressed concern over the difficulty of producing hit songs in today’s music industry, attributing the trend to artists and industry players prioritizing stunts and social media virality over quality.

Speaking on the I Say What I Say podcast, Baba Fryo highlighted the recent controversy around Wizkid comparing himself to late Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti as an example of a publicity stunt designed to promote Wizkid’s joint EP with Asake, Real.

“It takes a lot to get a mega hit now. Some go even do some kind stunt… all these ones na stunt. A lot of artists spark controversy on purpose so that people will stream their songs. I takes a lot to get a hit now because they have raised the bar so high,” he said.

Baba Fryo compared today’s environment with his era, noting that hits then were earned through the quality of the music and genuine public acceptance, with minimal promotion. He also criticized DJs, music executives, and artists for sabotaging quality tracks in favor of trends.

The veteran called on Nigerian artists and industry stakeholders to refocus on producing quality music, rather than chasing online attention or social media buzz.