Nigerian singer Tekno has clarified his comments about Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti, explaining that saying he did not grow up listening to Fela does not mean he denied the late musician’s place as the originator of Afrobeat. “I no hear Fela growing up. I didn’t say he’s not the originator of Afrobeat,” he said during an interview, stressing that his musical influences were different.
The Tekno Fela comments drew attention because of their bluntness. He explained that he was born in Bauchi and grew up in Northern Nigeria, where Yoruba music was not commonly played around him. “We all love Fela, but I didn’t listen to him growing up. Even after I grow up, I no still listen to am,” he said. He also noted that of all his hits, only “Rara” sounds like the type of Afrobeat associated with Fela, adding that Fela did not make songs like “Duro,” “Pana,” or “Yawa.”
Tekno compared his preference to football fandom, saying being a Ronaldo fan doesn’t mean Messi isn’t a legend. “It no mean say Fela no be legend. He wasn’t my king, he never was my king, he will never be my king,” he stated. Asked who his own musical king is, Tekno gave a clear answer: Oliver De Coque. The singer maintained that he still respects Fela’s legacy despite his personal influences differing.
