Yeni Kuti, media personality and daughter of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, has criticised contemporary artistes who liken themselves to the late music legend, insisting such comparisons undermine the essence of legacy.
Speaking in an interview with Arise TV, on Monday, the 2nd of February, 2026, following a ceremony where she joined other family members to receive Fela’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Grammys, Yeni highlighted her father’s enduring influence 29 years after his passing.
She called on modern artistes to honour Fela’s contributions rather than diminish them through fruitless comparisons.
“Don’t compare chalk and cheese. Fela is a legend, give him his flowers. He has done his part.
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“If you are still talking about him 29 years after his death and you’re comparing yourself with him, you’re not a dead man walking. So, comparing yourself with him is not a good thing,” she said.
Yeni further advised, “Compare yourself with your peers and leave our legends alone. We have legends, let’s respect them.”
The comments come in the wake of controversy surrounding Wizkid, who recently ignited debate after claiming he is “bigger” than Fela while responding to Seun Kuti’s criticisms over comparisons between the Ojuelegba crooner and the Afrobeat icon.