Afrobeat musician Femi Kuti has said he regrets the recent comparisons between today’s Nigerian music stars and his late father, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, describing the debate as unnecessary.
Femi spoke during an interview on Arise Television, where he made it clear that he would not take part in the argument. According to him, Nigeria is facing far more serious problems than celebrity rivalries.
“I wish it never came up. I’m not participating in it,” he said.
“The government doesn’t even know how to move people forward positively. It’s shameful.”
The debate started again after popular singer Wizkid reportedly claimed he was bigger than Fela, following a disagreement involving Seun Kuti, Fela’s son. Wizkid was quoted as saying, “I big pass your papa.”
Around the same time, the late Fela was nominated for a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, which brought fresh attention to his influence on Nigerian music.
Reacting to this, Femi Kuti said his father should never be compared with modern artistes, stressing that Fela laid the foundation for Nigeria’s music industry.
“Fela is the template musically and artistically in Nigeria. He should be placed in a class of his own and respected,” he said.
While praising the global success of today’s Afrobeat stars, Femi urged Nigerians to focus on unity and nation-building rather than rivalry.
He also expressed concern that many of the problems Fela spoke about decades ago still exist today.
“For 29 years since he died, we are still talking about the same issues,” Femi said, adding that corruption, insecurity, tribalism, and terrorism have become even worse.
He called on young Nigerians to use the global recognition of Nigerian music to help build the country and solve its major problems.
“This recognition is good for Nigeria and Africa. We should use it to build the country, strengthen our music industry, and come together,” he said.
