Yeni Kuti, media personality and daughter of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, has criticised contemporary artistes who compare themselves to her late father, saying such comparisons undermine the meaning of legacy.
Yeni made the remarks during an interview on Arise TV after she and other members of the Kuti family received Fela’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Grammy Awards.
She said Fela’s enduring relevance nearly three decades after his death is proof of his impact and urged modern artistes to show respect for legends rather than attempting to diminish their achievements.
“Don’t compare chalk and cheese. Fela is a legend, give him his flowers. He has done his part,” she said.
“If you are still talking about him 29 years after his death and comparing yourself with him, that alone says a lot. Comparing yourself with him is not a good thing.”
Yeni advised artistes to focus on their contemporaries instead, stressing the need to preserve respect for musical icons.
“Compare yourself with your peers and leave our legends alone. We have legends, let’s respect them,” she added.
The comments follow recent controversy sparked by singer Wizkid, who claimed he is “bigger” than Fela in response to criticisms from Seun Kuti and debates by fans comparing the Grammy-winning artiste to the Afrobeat pioneer.
Elijah Adeyemi
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