Nigerian media personality Yeni Kuti has criticised some contemporary musicians for drawing comparisons between themselves and her late father, Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
Gossip News Now recalls that singer Wizkid recently stirred controversy after claiming he was “bigger” than Fela, while responding to criticisms from Fela’s son, Seun Kuti, and his supporters.
Speaking in an interview on Arise TV after joining other members of the Kuti family to receive Fela’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Grammy Awards, Yeni said Fela’s enduring relevance decades after his death speaks volumes about his impact.
According to her, constant debates and comparisons with Fela fail to properly understand what legacy truly means. She stressed that artists should respect Fela’s contributions rather than attempting to downplay his achievements by measuring themselves against him.
Yeni urged contemporary musicians to focus on competing with their peers instead of comparing themselves to a cultural icon whose influence has stood the test of time.
She said:
“Don’t compare chalk and cheese. Fela is a legend — give him his flowers. He has done his part.
“If people are still talking about him 29 years after his death and you’re comparing yourself with him, then you’re not a dead man walking. Comparing yourself with him is not a good thing.
“Compare yourself with your peers and leave our legends alone. We have legends — let’s respect them.”
Her remarks have since reignited conversations around legacy, respect for cultural pioneers, and how modern artists position themselves in relation to icons of the past.
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