Shaffy Bello says Wizkid, Davido and Burna Boy have reached Fela’s legacy level through global fame, wealth and influence
Actress Shaffy Bello has ignited public debate after asserting that leading Afrobeats stars Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy have attained the same level of international recognition as the late Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti.
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Shaffy Bello made the assertion during a recent episode of the podcast What I Know, co hosted by content creator Korty EO, while responding to a question on whether contemporary Nigerian musicians could reach Fela’s legendary stature.
According to Shaffy Bello, global recognition remains the key benchmark for legacy in modern music.
The actress argued that the international visibility, influence and financial power of today’s leading Afrobeats artists place them on a comparable pedestal.
Shaffy Bello said Wizkid, Davido and Burna Boy, often referred to as the Big Three, had already crossed that threshold, adding that singer Asake could also be considered within the same bracket due to his rising global profile.
“In terms of recognition, power and money, I feel like our Big Three, or even Big Four, have reached Fela’s level already,” Shaffy Bello said during the podcast discussion.
Her comments quickly drew attention online, reopening long standing conversations about how legacy should be measured across different musical eras.
While Fela Anikulapo Kuti is widely celebrated not only for his music but also for his political activism and cultural impact, the global commercial success of modern Afrobeats stars has reshaped Nigeria’s musical influence worldwide.
The remarks come amid earlier pushback from Seun Kuti, Fela’s son and a musician himself, who has consistently cautioned against direct comparisons between his father and contemporary artists, urging respect for Fela’s historical and ideological legacy.
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Despite the controversy, Shaffy Bello’s comments underline the growing confidence around Afrobeats as a global force and the undeniable impact Nigerian artists continue to make on the world stage.
Peculiar Adirika is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
