•Yeni Kuti
Daughter of late Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, Yeni has condemned Nigerian singers who compare themselves to her father, saying it diminishes his legacy.
She made the remarks after receiving Fela’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Grammys.
In an interview with Arise TV, Yeni Kuti emphasised that Fela’s continued relevance 29 years after his death speaks for itself, and urged contemporary artistes to respect his legacy by focusing on their own achievements.
She advised artistes to compare themselves with peers, not legends, saying, “Don’t compare chalk and cheese. Fela is a legend; give him his flowers. He has done his part.
“If you are still talking about him 29 years after his death and you’re comparing yourself with him, you’re not a dead man walking. So, comparing yourself with him is not a good thing.
“Compare yourself with your peers and leave our legends alone. We have legends, let’s respect them.”
