Yeni Kuti, daughter of Nigerian Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, has spoken out against the growing trend of comparing today’s artists with her late father.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News, Yeni addressed Fela’s enduring relevance, nearly three decades after his passing, noting that constant comparisons only highlight the timeless impact of his legacy.
According to her, such comparisons neither diminish Fela’s greatness nor accurately reflect the realities of the current music scene. Instead, she urged contemporary artists to focus on competing within their own generation.
“If you’re still talking about him 29 years after his death and you are comparing, you are comparing yourself with someone who has been gone 29 years,” Yeni said. “Compare yourself with your peers and leave him. Leave our legends alone.”
Her comments reinforce the idea that Fela’s influence exists beyond eras and trends, standing as a benchmark of cultural and musical significance that doesn’t require validation through modern-day comparisons.
“Don’t compare chalk and cheese. Fela is a legend, give him his flowers… Compare yourself with your peers and leave our legends alone…”
– Yeni Kuti pic.twitter.com/XvJqkfop5P
— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) February 2, 2026
Recall, speaking during an appearance on TVC’s Your View on January 22, 2026, Yeni made it clear that her comments were not borne out of hostility toward Wizkid, whom she described as a close friend, but were prompted by the decision to drag Fela’s name into a personal dispute.
“I love Wizkid a lot, he is my paddy na. He is my small friend,” she said. “I remember when he started at the Shrine, he was a backup singer. I cannot stop liking Wizkid.”
Despite that long-standing relationship, Yeni said the tone of the feud changed once references to her late father were introduced.
“He did too much by insulting my father, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti,” she stated. “If you have a problem with someone, why are you now calling Fela out?”