Afrobeat musician Femi Kuti has expressed regret over comparisons between today’s Nigerian music stars and his late father, the legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, describing the debate as both unnecessary and unhelpful.

Speaking in an interview on Arise Television, Femi emphasized that he would not engage in such discussions, noting that Nigeria faces far more pressing challenges than celebrity rivalries.

“I wish it never came up. I’m not participating in it,” he said.
“The government doesn’t even know how to move people positively forward. It’s shameful.”

The debate reignited after Afrobeat star Wizkid claimed he was bigger than Seun Kuti’s father, Fela, reportedly saying, “I big pass your papa.” The conversation gained further attention when Fela was posthumously nominated for a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammys, highlighting his enduring influence on today’s generation of musicians.

Femi stressed that his father should not be compared to modern artistes, asserting that Fela laid the foundation for Nigeria’s music industry.

“Fela is the template musically and artistically in Nigeria. He should be placed in a category of his own and respected,” he said.

While recognizing the global success of contemporary Afrobeat stars, Femi said attention should be directed toward unity and nation-building rather than rivalry narratives.

He also lamented Nigeria’s slow political and social progress, pointing out that many issues Fela addressed decades ago remain unresolved.

“For 29 years, he has been gone, yet we are still discussing the same issues,” Femi said, highlighting corruption, insecurity, tribalism, and terrorism as pressing challenges facing the country today.

He urged Nigerians, especially young people, to leverage the global recognition of Nigerian music to address national problems and strengthen the nation.

“This recognition is good for Nigeria and Africa. We should use it to build the country, strengthen our music industry, and come together,” he added.