Yeni Kuti, the daughter of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, has strongly pushed back against ongoing comparisons between her late father and today’s music stars.
Speaking in an interview with ARISE News on Monday, she called such debates “misplaced and disrespectful,” emphasizing the need to honor Fela’s unique legacy rather than dragging it into rivalry narratives.
Fela’s Enduring Influence
According to Yeni, the fact that Fela’s music and ideas remain influential nearly three decades after his death is proof of his timeless impact.
“Don’t compare chalk and cheese. Fela is a legend. Give him his flowers,” she said.
Yeni stressed that contemporary artistes should focus on their own peers, not legends who have passed away.
“He’s done his own if you are still talking about him 29 years after his death.
And you are comparing, you are not walking dead now,” she added.
Focus on Peers, Not Legends
Yeni’s message was clear: honour cultural icons while creating space for meaningful comparisons among living artists.
“Compare yourself with your peers or we should compare ourselves with our peers and leave him and leave our legends alone,” she said.
Her words were a reminder of the importance of respecting those who shaped musical history while celebrating the talents emerging today.
Grammy Recognition Highlights Fela’s Legacy
Yeni’s remarks come amid renewed attention on Fela’s enduring influence following his historic posthumous recognition by the Recording Academy.
On Saturday, January 31, 2026, Fela became the first African artiste to receive a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award during the Special Merit Awards in Los Angeles.
The award was accepted on his behalf by his children — Yeni, Kunle, Shalewa, and Femi Kuti — marking a historic moment in celebrating African music on the global stage.
Honouring a Musical Icon
For Yeni, Fela’s Grammy recognition is a reminder of why comparisons to contemporary artistes are unnecessary.
His music, activism, and cultural contributions stand on their own, inspiring generations long after he left the world stage.
Yeni’s appeal is simple: acknowledge Fela’s legacy, respect the past, and celebrate the living artists shaping music today.
Leaving Fela’s Legacy Untouched
In an era where social media and fan debates often pit artists against one another, Yeni Kuti’s message resonates: some icons are simply untouchable.
As conversations continue around Fela’s impact, Yeni reminds us that true respect involves honoring the past without trying to measure it against the present.f
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