Legends Don’t Compete:Yeni Kuti Rebukes Modern Artistes for Comparing Themselves to Fela

In a powerful defense of a musical and cultural icon, Yeni Kuti has called for an end to the “chalk and cheese” comparisons between contemporary music stars and her father, the late Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, urging today’s stars to find validation among their own peers instead of challenging a cemented legacy.

The debate reached a boiling point in early 2026, sparked by a series of social media exchanges and public statements from some of Nigeria’s biggest musical exports. The tension notably escalated after Wizkid claimed he was “bigger” than Fela during a heated online feud with Seun Kuti, Fela’s youngest son. While contemporary Afrobeat—often referred to as Afrobeats (with an ‘s’)—has achieved unprecedented global commercial success, the comparison to the original Afrobeat movement remains a sensitive cultural touchstone.

For many, Fela Kuti is more than a musician; he is a symbol of political resistance, social justice, and a spiritual father to the modern Nigerian sound. Yeni Kuti, a media personality and veteran dancer, stepped into the fray to clarify that greatness is not merely measured by current streaming numbers or chart positions, but by the endurance of a legacy.

Speaking in an interview with Arise TV shortly after the 2026 Grammy Awards, where Fela was posthumously honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award, Yeni Kuti expressed her frustration with the trend.

“Don’t compare chalk and cheese,” she stated. “Fela is a legend, give him his flowers. He has done his part. If you are still talking about him 29 years after his death and you’re comparing yourself with him… it’s not a good thing.”

Her argument centers on the idea that Fela’s relevance nearly three decades after his passing is proof of a status that cannot be contested by those still active in the industry. She urged artistes to measure their success against their contemporaries, their up tempo and mid tempo rivals currently on the charts rather than trying to diminish a foundation that was built under entirely different social and political circumstances.

Yeni is not the only Kuti to speak out. Her brother, Femi Kuti, also recently described the comparisons as “unnecessary and unhelpful.” Femi emphasized that Fela should be viewed as the “template” and the “foundation” of the modern industry. He noted that while it is a proud moment for Nigeria to see its artistes dominating the Grammys and global stages, the focus should remain on unity and national development rather than ego-driven rivalries.

The timing of this debate is particularly poignant. On January 31, 2026, the Recording Academy officially recognized Fela Anikulapo-Kuti with a Lifetime Achievement Award. This historic moment served as a reminder of his global impact, yet it also reignited the “who is greater” discourse among fanbases of modern stars like Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Davido.

While Burna Boy has famously stated that Fela is “the only one greater than me,” the general consensus from the Kuti family is clear: Fela occupies a category of his own. By demanding that artistes “leave our legends alone,” Yeni Kuti is calling for a culture of respect that honors the past while allowing the present generation the space to define their own greatness without needing to topple the giants who came before them.