Renowned Nigerian dancer, singer, and content creator Korra Obidi has ignited a firestorm of controversy after a video surfaced online showing her performing an energetic twerking routine at the gravesite of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti in Lagos.
The footage, shared by Obidi on her Instagram and X (@korraobidi) on December 6, captures the 33-year-old entertainer—currently in Nigeria from her U.S. base—visiting the Kalakuta Republic grounds, where Fela was laid to rest in 1997. Accompanied by Fela’s son, Seun Kuti, and singer Teni Apata, Obidi is seen dancing vibrantly before launching into the twerk, which she described as a “little twerk for you, Baba” in homage to the icon’s legendary affinity for expressive, unapologetic femininity and dance.
“This is my offering to Baba. We all know one thing Fela loved was a woman with gyrating hips, so I decided to pay homage. I shook my nyash for Baba,” Obidi narrated in the clip, adding that Seun Kuti was “very happy” and remarked, “You guys know what Baba likes but you’ve never given him.” She further claimed the spirit of Fela “enjoyed it,” emphasizing the tribute’s alignment with his flamboyant, revolutionary lifestyle that celebrated energy, sensuality, and cultural defiance.
The visit also featured Teni practicing saxophone lessons—a nod to Fela’s instrumental prowess—and a ritual where Seun sprinkled alcohol at the grave, with Obidi joining in the libation. However, the twerking segment has drawn sharp criticism from fans, cultural commentators, and netizens, who branded it “disrespectful,” “wild behavior,” and a “line crossed” at a sacred site honoring Nigeria’s musical and activist forefather.
Social media exploded with mixed but predominantly outraged reactions. On X, users like @PaulKachi fumed, “Twerking on Fela’s grave is wild behaviour,” while @Opejayek noted, “Korra always finds a way to trend, but this one was not needed.” @Amandaoko added, “You crossed the line with this one. Fela loved energy, yes… but doing this on his grave feels strange.” The video has amassed over 2 million views in under 24 hours, trending under #KorraAtFelasGrave and #DisrespectToFela, with hashtags surpassing 500,000 mentions.
Defenders, however, praised the authenticity of the gesture. @Bzrk tweeted, “Funny thing is that Fela would probably have loved some shit like this,” and @AinaOrusun quipped, “Fela would have loved her.” Seun Kuti’s on-camera approval has been highlighted by supporters as validation, with one commenter stating, “If the son is cool, who are we to judge? It’s a celebration, not mourning.”
Obidi, known for her bold dance content and recent personal milestones including her divorce and motherhood to two daughters, has yet to issue a formal response beyond the video’s caption: “Your legacy lives on. We love you.” Her team emphasizes that the act was intended as a joyful, culturally resonant tribute, not provocation, and invites dialogue on honoring icons in modern, expressive ways.
This incident adds to ongoing conversations about cultural reverence, artistic expression, and the boundaries of tribute in Nigeria’s entertainment scene, where Fela’s enduring legacy as a symbol of resistance continues to evoke passionate responses.
Korra Obidi pays homage at Fela Kuti’s tomb with dance and sax vibes — honoring the legend exactly the way he’d love.https://t.co/BPBjA5RYDj
— Naija News (@NaijaNews) December 6, 2025
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