Yeni Kuti, daughter of late Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, has criticised ongoing comparisons between her father and contemporary music stars, describing the trend as unnecessary and disrespectful.
Gatekeepers News reports that she made the remarks during an interview on ARISE News shared on Monday, insisting that Fela’s legacy should not be placed in rivalry narratives with today’s artistes.
According to Yeni, the continued relevance of Fela nearly three decades after his death already reflects the depth of his impact on global music and culture.
“Don’t compare chalk and cheese. Fela is a legend. Give him his flowers,” she said.
“He’s done his own if you are still talking about him 29 years after his death…
You are comparing yourself to someone who has been gone 29 years. It’s not a good thing.”
She urged today’s artistes to focus on competing within their own generation rather than measuring themselves against cultural icons.
“Compare yourself with your peers… and leave him and leave our legends alone,” she added.
Her comments come amid renewed public conversations about Fela’s legacy following his recent recognition by the Recording Academy.
Fela was posthumously honoured with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Special Merit Awards held in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 31, ahead of the main Grammy ceremony.
The award was accepted on his behalf by his children — Yeni, Kunle, Shalewa and Femi Kuti.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also paid tribute to the late Afrobeat pioneer, describing the recognition as a fitting global salute to an icon whose music and ideals reshaped generations.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Tinubu said the honour celebrates a cultural giant whose artistic brilliance and fearless expression elevated African music and identity on the world stage.
“The Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award affirms Fela’s foundational role in African music and his lasting impact on global popular culture,” the President said.
He added that the recognition reflects Fela’s enduring influence on Nigerian artistes and the global rise of Afrobeats, noting that his relevance has remained strong long after his death.
