Outrage as fans compare Naira Marley to Fela

There was outrage on Twitter Nigeria on Thursday after fans of Naira Marley compared their “idol” to Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, the late Afrobeat legend. 

Shortly after the internet was inundated with news that the ‘Japa’ singer has been granted bail, a group of fans called ‘Marlians’ took to Twitter to hail the singer and eventually compared him to the legendary pioneer of Afrobeat.

Fela was once incarcerated for a period of time. While leaving the court premises, Marley took both hands up to give fans a “victory salute” — a sign that is attributed to the late Afrobeat legend.

This prompted the comparison as it did not go down well with a segment of Twitter users.

“May God in His entire might punish all and sundry that ever mention or compare The Great Fela to fraudster Nairamarly, imbeciles,” a Twitter user wrote.

“Naira Marley case is different from that of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, only a foolish bastard will liken both. Naira Marley is a fraudster, Fela is an activist,” another user wrote.

Here’s what Nigerians had to say:

May God in His entire mighty punish all and sundry that ever mention or compare The Great Fela to fraudstar Nairamarly imbeciles #marlians

— Blessed Denzel (@blessed_denzl) May 30, 2019

Naira Marley case is different from that of Fela anikulapo kuti, only a foolish bastard will liken both. Naira Marley is a fraudster, Fela is an activist. #marlians

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— Uhunamure Osazee (@iamtheosazee) May 30, 2019

I see people relating Naira Marley with Fela with their cheap reasons & so on but that's just nothing but a shame .

Lest I forget, Naira Marley
shall never,
can never,
will never,
&
will never ever
can never for once
shall never match

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anything that is related to Fela#marlians

— I am Izu Enugu (@GrowWithBayo) May 30, 2019

#marlians please stop comparing Naira Marley to Fela
Naira Marley is not Fela
Naira Marley can not be Fela
Naira Marley can never be Fela
Naira Marley will never be Fela ..
Bloody misguided youths with misplaced priorities
Keep quiet your dumbness is too loud

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— Dat_Asaba_Boy (@AsabaDat) May 30, 2019

Good for Naira Marley that he's free on N2M bail.
But I have lost hope for our youths, some now see it as victory of fraud over justice.All of a sudden Naira Marley is now a fraud activist, a Fela of our time.He now have a fan base who support fraud.#NairaMarley#marlians

— California Dreaming (@CaliforniaPato) May 30, 2019

Few years ago.2face or 2baba started a protest against government.But fucked out before the scheduled date..
Even Naira Marley case has to do with fraud.He isn't a Music Legend but a street Music lovers legend.The only Fela of our Time.I hope the judgement favours u #marlians

— Crazyhood4u (@ofofolink) May 30, 2019

Before condemning #Marlians for supporting Naira Marley, remember that you support Tinubu, Atiku, Buhari and other alleged criminals. No big sin this time.

Cybercrime can kill, so can bad roads and bad hospitals. Be guided.

— Shalom Ibironke (@Biyatife) May 30, 2019

#30May
Naira Marley gives his fans (#marlians) the Fela Anikulapo Kuti victory salute as he emerged from court today after he was granted bail. pic.twitter.com/GV9NuyVuyc

— #TotalGossips (@total_gossips) May 30, 2019

If naira marley goes to the studio to cough put it on YouTube that shit be getting 2 million view in 2 hours #marlians pic.twitter.com/1jfKHpAP8A

— IG:@DapxOfLagos (@dapxoflagos) May 30, 2019

Naira Marley should declare Every MAY 30th #Marlians day

He should do a free show for the Marlians 💪🏿💪🏿💪🏿💪🏿💪🏿😁😁😁😁 pic.twitter.com/jsLPWAyf7Z

— QUDUS (@QdPaper) May 30, 2019

After Naira Marley bail was granted and Zlatan ask him to be like Fela, fight to the end and do a remix of 'Am I A Yahoo'.. #marlians pic.twitter.com/zm0vmZitnM

— WILL_I_ AMS (@AkwaIbomBreed) May 30, 2019

Naira marley's bail money go complete before Churchill cums sef #marlians pic.twitter.com/7wlusCZpbX

— 𝙖𝙙𝙚𝘿𝘼𝙈𝙊𝙇𝘼 (@damoxy_) May 30, 2019

Naira Marley literally Sacrificed some time in EFCC Cell to BLOW.. is that how Stars do? That’s how stars ✨ do. #Marlians 💕

— ❤️blessing❤️ (@Blizzie_cute) May 30, 2019

This guy get fans sha…walahi i don become this guy fan #freenairamarley #marlians pic.twitter.com/pxxFC0zmqp

— Timz (@kvng__timmy) May 30, 2019