Femi Kuti calls comparisons between contemporary artistes and his father Fela unhelpful, urging Nigerians to focus on unity, governance, and national development
Afrobeat musician Femi Kuti has described renewed comparisons between contemporary Nigerian music stars and his late father, Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, as unnecessary and unhelpful.
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Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, shared on X on Saturday, Femi stressed that such debates distract from more pressing national issues.
“I would say all even 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, artistically in Nigeria,” Femi said.
He added that Fela should remain in a category of his own, revered as a father figure in Nigerian music.
Femi declined to comment on the rivalry between Seun Kuti and Afrobeat star Wizkid, who recently claimed he was bigger than Fela, noting that Seun is his brother and Wizkid like a son.
“I just wish it did not arise. Hopefully everybody will calm down very soon,” he said.
While acknowledging the global success of younger Afrobeat artists, Femi urged Nigerians to prioritise unity and nation-building. “Nigeria has been participating in the Grammys so much these days.
It’s good for Africa. It’s good for the country. It’s good we’re getting the recognition we deserve. So I think we should all be happy for ourselves and we should use all this to build the country, build our music industry, build the nation, come together,” he said.
Femi also highlighted the persistence of systemic issues such as tribalism, terrorism, and corruption, emphasising that political engagement and societal action are crucial.
“If young people don’t start to take the baton into their hands and start to demand for good government, we’re going to be in trouble very soon…
We’re still discussing the same issues,” he said, reflecting on his father’s decades-long activism.
He noted that political themes have long dominated his own music and that of his family, questioning why poverty, insecurity, and poor governance remain unresolved.
“How long are we going to be political and there’s still so much poverty in the land? When is the country going to come together to really build a nation as it should be?” he asked.
The debate resurfaced after Wizkid claimed he was bigger than Fela, sparking widespread online reactions involving Seun Kuti.
Also read: Femi Kuti opens up on exit from Fela’s band
The conversation has been further amplified by Fela’s recent Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award nomination, reminding audiences of his enduring influence on Nigerian music and the next generation of artists.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
