By Ghazali Ibrahim
Yeni Kuti, daughter of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, has urged Nigerian artistes to stop comparing themselves with her late father, saying such debates disrespect his legacy and miss the point of artistic growth.
Speaking in an interview with ARISE News, Yeni said it was unnecessary for contemporary musicians to measure themselves against a figure who died nearly three decades ago, stressing that Fela’s relevance has already been cemented by history.
“If you’re still talking about him 29 years after his death and you’re comparing yourself with him, then you should look at your peers instead,” she said, adding that Fela had “done his own” and deserved to be left out of present-day rivalries.
Yeni’s comments come amid renewed debates in Nigeria’s music space following recent public disagreements involving Afrobeats stars and members of the Kuti family. The arguments, which played out largely on social media, reignited long-standing comparisons between Fela and modern-day artistes, prompting reactions from his children.
She argued that every generation of musicians faces different realities and opportunities, making direct comparisons unfair and unproductive. According to her, artistes should focus on building their own legacies rather than diminishing those who laid the foundation for Nigeria’s global musical influence.
Yeni also linked her remarks to the renewed global attention on Fela’s work following his posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, saying the honour underscored his lasting impact on African music and culture. She urged Nigerians to celebrate pioneers while allowing today’s artistes the space to define themselves on their own terms.
