Yeni Kuti, a prominent figure in Nigerian media, has criticized Nigerian singers who compare themselves to her father, Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
As you may remember, Wizkid recently caused a stir when he responded to his son Seun Kuti’s criticism of him and his fans by asserting that he is “bigger” than Fela.
“Fela’s continued relevance 29 years after his death speaks for itself,” Yeni said in an interview with Arise TV after accepting Fela’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Grammys alongside other family members.
Yeni claims that discussions and parallels with Fela fail to capture the essence of legacy.
She called on modern artists to honor Fela’s legacy and refrain from disparaging his accomplishments by drawing comparisons to a deceased person.
Yeni Kuti went on to say that modern singers had to evaluate themselves against their peers rather than Fela.
“Don’t compare chalk and cheese,” she remarked. Give Fela his roses; he’s a legend. He has fulfilled his responsibility.
“You are not a dead man walking if you are still discussing him 29 years after his passing and comparing yourself to him. Therefore, it is not a good idea to compare yourself to him.
“Leave our legends alone and compare yourself to your peers.” Let’s honor the legends we have.