Afrobeat musician Femi Kuti has expressed regret over the growing comparisons between present-day Nigerian music stars and his late father, legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, describing the conversation as unnecessary and distracting.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Femi made it clear that he has no interest in engaging in the debate, stressing that Nigeria is grappling with far more serious national issues 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 positively forward. It’s shameful.”
The renewed discussion followed remarks by Afrobeat star Wizkid, who recently claimed superiority over Fela while addressing Seun Kuti, stating, “I big pass your papa.”
Not long after the controversy, Fela was nominated for a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, a development that reignited conversations about his enduring legacy and influence on today’s Afrobeat generation.
Reacting to this, Femi insisted that his father should not be compared with contemporary artistes, emphasizing that Fela occupies a unique and foundational place in Nigeria’s music history.
“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 international achievements of today’s Afrobeat stars, Femi urged Nigerians to move away from rivalry-driven narratives and instead focus on unity and national development.
He also lamented Nigeria’s lack of meaningful progress decades after Fela’s death, noting that many of the societal problems his father addressed through music still persist.
“For 29 years, he has been gone, yet we are still discussing the same issues,” he said, adding that corruption, insecurity, tribalism and terrorism have only worsened.
Femi further encouraged Nigerians, especially the youth, to harness the global attention Nigerian music is receiving to strengthen the country and address its fundamental challenges.
“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.
