Compare yourself with your peers, not Fela’ – Yeni Kuti tells artistes

Yeni Kuti, a media personality and daughter of Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, has slammed contemporary artistes who compare themselves to the late Afrobeat legend, saying such debates miss the point of legacy.

Yeni, who spoke in an interview with Arise TV after joining other family members to receive Fela’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Grammys, stated that Fela’s continued relevance 29 after his death speaks for itself.

She urged contemporary artistes to respect Fela’s legacy and stop trying to diminish his achievements by comparing themselves to him.

“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,” she said.

Yeni added, “Compare yourself with your peers and leave our legends alone. We have legends, let’s respect them.”