Nigerian singer Oluwajuwonlo Iledare, professionally known as Jaywon, has weighed in on the long-running debate surrounding Afrobeats and Afrobeat, firmly defending the legacy of legendary pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
In a post shared on social media on January 20, 2026, Jaywon cautioned fans and commentators against downplaying Fela’s influence while celebrating the global success of modern Afrobeats stars.
Reacting to claims that Afrobeats has surpassed Afrobeat, the singer stressed that no living artist can be compared to or considered greater than Fela Kuti, whose impact transcended music and extended deeply into culture, politics, and activism.
Jaywon urged supporters of contemporary Afrobeats acts to avoid unnecessary comparisons, describing today’s stars as “children” in the grand timeline of the genre—artists who should be allowed to grow and thrive without being forced into debates against cultural legends.
According to him, Fela’s contribution to African music and global consciousness remains unmatched, and excessive online hype risks misleading younger fans into forgetting the historical roots of the sound they now celebrate.
His comments have since reignited conversations across social media, with many users agreeing that Afrobeat’s foundation must be respected, while others continue to argue that Afrobeats’ global reach represents a new era of dominance.
The exchange once again underscores a recurring tension in Nigerian music discourse—how to celebrate Afrobeats’ worldwide success while properly honouring the pioneers who laid the groundwork for its existence.