I’m not trying to be like Fela —Wizkid

Wizkid may have made moves to push his music career outside the African market over the years with his collaborations with a number of international acts such Drake, Chris Brown, Justin Skye, among others, but the aim of the singer was never to change the root of his musisc, which if deeply rooted in Africa.

In an interview with Hunger Magazine, which was monitored by R, the Come Closer crooner stated that he’s content with his African fan base and not really trying to cross over into America.

‘The aim is not really to cross over. I just want to make good music for the world. It’s really not in my mind to cross over to America.

‘I have my own fan base, which is Africa. And I just want to keep feeding that fan base and hope it grows,’ he tells the magazine.

He’s not intent on ‘crossing over’

And although he’s generally perceived to be at the forefront of the global recognition African music and musicians are currently receiving, the 26-year-old doesn’t take full responsibility for the wave.

“I’m not really seeing myself as the one champion of the movement,” Wizkid says. ‘I’m just contributing my own little part. Keep the movement moving, and take it there, you know?’

He draws inspiration from various music genres

He also wouldn’t be boxed into a label. “I don’t just make afrobeats… I make music. I draw inspiration from all over. From dancehall reggae, afrobeat, American music as well. Whatever I listen to, I draw inspiration from.”

Wizkid has often been referred to as the new generation Fela and while he never fails to acknowledge the legendary singer as one of his biggest inspirations – I mean, his Snapchat name is Felaback – the ‘Ojuelegba’ singer insists he’s not looking to be another Fela or live like him.

“Every artiste has that one person that inspired them, or a group of artists that inspired them,” he says.

“Fela happens to be a very big inspiration to my music, Bob Marley as well. So I’m just here spreading good vibes.”

‘I’m not trying to live like Fela or do what he has done. I just appreciate everything he did when he was alive and I am here to create my own legacy.’