Afrobeat musician Femi Kuti has dismissed renewed comparisons between modern Nigerian music stars and his late father, Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, describing the debate as unnecessary and unproductive.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, clips of which were shared on X on Saturday, Femi said he had deliberately stayed away from the conversation, noting that Nigeria faces far more serious national issues that deserve attention.
He stressed that Fela’s legacy stands on its own and should not be placed in competition with contemporary artistes.
“I’m sure you’ve seen I’ve not said anything. Fela is our father. Even the younger artistes respect him. I don’t think it was an issue that should have been brought up because he is the template of many things musically and artistically in Nigeria,” he said.
According to Femi, his father laid the foundation for Nigeria’s modern music industry and should simply be honoured rather than compared with others.
“Fela should just be put in a section of his own and we just idolise and respect him. He’s our father. I don’t want to go into Seun and Wizkid’s matter because Seun is my brother and Wizkid is like a son. I just wish it didn’t arise,” he added.
While acknowledging the growing global recognition of Nigerian and African music, including increased Grammy participation, Femi urged unity instead of rivalry.
“It’s good for Africa and good for the country that we’re getting the recognition we deserve. We should use this to build the country, build our music industry and come together,” he said.
Femi also expressed concern about Nigeria’s persistent challenges, including tribalism, terrorism and corruption, calling on young people to prioritise governance and national development over celebrity disputes.
“Those are the things we should be focused on. How is Nigeria going to be safe? How are we going to move forward?” he asked, recalling how public services like healthcare were once more functional in the 1970s.
Reflecting on his father’s activism, he noted that many of the issues Fela criticised decades ago remain unresolved today.
“It’s 29 years since he’s been gone and we’re still discussing the same issues. If young people don’t start demanding good government, we’re going to be in trouble,” he warned.
Femi said political and social themes continue to dominate his music and that of his family, including his brother Seun and his son Made, questioning how long artistes would keep addressing the same problems without meaningful change.
“It’s sad that 90 per cent of my songs are still political. How long are we going to keep talking about poverty, kidnapping and terrorism without real progress?” he said.
The conversation around Fela’s legacy resurfaced after Afrobeat star Wizkid was quoted as saying he was bigger than the late icon, sparking reactions online and exchanges involving Seun Kuti. The debate gained further attention following Fela’s recent nomination for a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, underscoring his lasting influence on generations of Nigerian artistes.
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