Afrobeat musician Femi Kuti has expressed regret over renewed comparisons between contemporary Nigerian music stars and his late father, Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, describing the debate as unnecessary and unhelpful.
Femi made the remarks in an interview on Arise Television, shared on X on Saturday, stressing that he would not be drawn into celebrity rivalry discussions amid pressing national challenges.
“I’m sure you have seen I’ve not said anything. Fela is our father. All the younger artists respect him, and 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, Fela should not be placed in competition with present-day artistes, noting that his late father remains the foundation upon which Nigeria’s modern music industry was built. “So Fela should just be put in a section or sector 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… I just wish it did not arise,” he added.
While acknowledging the global success of contemporary Afrobeat artistes, Femi said the focus should be on unity and nation-building rather than rivalry narratives. “Nigeria has been participating in the Grammys so much these days. It’s good for Africa, it’s good for the country. We should all be happy for ourselves and use this to build the country, build our music industry, build the nation, come together,” he said.
READ ALSO: Shehu Sani Hails Fela’s Legacy Amid Wizkid–Seun Kuti Controversy
Femi also lamented that deep-rooted issues such as tribalism, terrorism and corruption continue to plague Nigeria, urging young people to prioritise governance and national development. “If young people don’t start to take the baton and demand good government, we’re going to be in trouble. Fela spoke, he’s gone. It’s 29 years now, and we’re still discussing the same issues,” he said.
Reflecting on his father’s activism, Femi noted that political themes continue to dominate his music and that of his family. “Ninety percent of my songs are political. Seun is doing his thing, Made, my son, has two albums, it’s political. How long are we going to be political, and there’s still so much poverty, kidnapping and terrorism?” he asked.
The debate resurfaced after Afrobeat star Wizkid was quoted as saying he was bigger than Fela, sparking widespread reactions online, particularly involving Seun Kuti. The remarks coincided with Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s nomination for a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, reigniting conversations about his enduring influence on Nigerian music and younger generations of artistes.