- Femi Kuti, an Afrobeat singer, is disappointed by comparisons between modern Nigerian music stars and his father, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
- He views the debate as pointless and misplaced.
- Femi expressed his disinterest in engaging in such discussions during an interview on Arise Television.
Afrobeat singer Femi Kuti has expressed disappointment over ongoing comparisons between modern Nigerian music stars and his late father, Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, describing the debate as pointless and misplaced.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Femi made it clear that he has no interest in engaging in such conversations, stressing that Nigeria is grappling with far more pressing national issues.
“I honestly wish the discussion never started. I won’t be part of it,” he said, while criticizing the government for its inability to inspire meaningful progress among citizens. “It’s embarrassing that we’re still stuck.”
The controversy recently resurfaced after Grammy-winning artiste Wizkid reportedly claimed superiority over Fela while responding to Seun Kuti, saying, “I big pass your papa.”
Not long after the remarks sparked online reactions, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti was nominated for a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, a development that reignited discussions about his lasting impact on contemporary Afrobeat musicians.
Reacting to the renewed debate, Femi argued that his father should not be measured against today’s artistes, noting that Fela laid the groundwork for Nigeria’s music industry as it exists today.
“Fela is the musical and artistic blueprint of this country,” he said. “He belongs in a class of his own and deserves to be treated as such.”
While acknowledging the international success enjoyed by present-day Afrobeat stars, Femi emphasized the need for unity and nation-building rather than rivalry and comparison.
He also lamented Nigeria’s lack of social and political advancement, pointing out that many of the problems Fela addressed through his music decades ago are still unresolved.
“It’s been 29 years since his death, yet we are still battling the same issues,” he said, adding that corruption, insecurity, tribalism and terrorism have worsened over time.
Femi urged Nigerians, especially the younger generation, to leverage the global spotlight on Nigerian music to foster development and tackle the country’s fundamental challenges.
“This global recognition is a win for Nigeria and Africa,” he said. “We should use it to strengthen our country, grow the music industry, and stand united.”
