Afrobeat musician Femi Kuti has expressed regret over comparisons between today’s Nigerian music stars and his late father, legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, saying the debate is unnecessary and unhelpful.
Femi made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television, where he stressed that he would not participate in the discussion, insisting that Nigeria faces far more urgent challenges than celebrity comparisons.
“I wish it never came up. I’m not participating in it,” he said.
“The government doesn’t even know how to move people positively forward. It’s shameful.”
The debate resurfaced following claims by Afrobeat star Wizkid that he was bigger than Seun Kuti’s father, Fela. Wizkid was quoted as saying, “ I big pass your papa.”
Shortly after the debate, the late Fela was nominate for a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammys, an honour that has renewed conversations around Fela’s influence on the new generation of singers.
According to Femi, his father should not be placed in competition with today’s artistes, noting that Fela remains the foundation upon which Nigeria’s music industry was built.
“Fela is the template musically and artistically in Nigeria. He should be put in a sector of his own and respected,” he said.
While acknowledging the global success of contemporary Afrobeat artistes, Femi said the focus should be on unity and nation building rather than rivalry narratives.
He further lamented Nigeria’s slow political and social progress, pointing out that many of the issues Fela sang about decades ago remain unresolved.
“For 29 years, he has been gone, yet we are still discussing the same issues,” Femi said, adding that corruption, insecurity, tribalism and terrorism now pose even greater threats to the country.
He urged Nigerians, particularly young people, to channel the global recognition of Nigerian music into building the nation and addressing its core problems.
“This recognition is good for Nigeria and Africa. We should use it to build the country, build our music industry, and come together,” he added.
