Yeni Kuti, daughter of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, has spoken against the culture of comparing contemporary artistes with her late father, saying such debates miss the point of legacy.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News, Yeni said Fela’s continued relevance nearly 29 years after his death already speaks for itself, noting that constant comparisons do little but diminish the meaning of greatness.
“If you’re still talking about him 29 years after his death and you are comparing, you are comparing yourself with someone who has been gone 29 years,” she said.
She urged artistes and commentators to focus on their contemporaries rather than drawing parallels with cultural icons who have already cemented their place in history.
“Compare yourself with your peers and leave him. Leave our legends alone,” Yeni added.
She stressed that Nigeria has its own legends and called for respect for those who laid the foundation of the country’s music and cultural identity.
