Yeni Kuti, daughter of legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti, has advised contemporary artistes to stop comparing their careers and achievements to that of her late father, stressing that such comparisons are unrealistic and unhealthy for creative growth.
Speaking in an interview, Yeni Kuti noted that Fela’s journey, impact and global recognition were shaped by a unique historical, cultural and political context that cannot be easily replicated today. According to her, constantly measuring modern success against Fela’s legacy places unnecessary pressure on artistes and distorts how progress in the music industry should be evaluated.
“Fela was one of a kind. What he achieved happened in his own time and under very different circumstances. Artistes today should compare themselves with their peers, not with Fela,” she stated.
She encouraged musicians to focus on competing within their generation, understanding the realities of the current industry, and using contemporary standards to assess success. Yeni Kuti added that every era produces its own icons and trailblazers, and trying to mirror the past often limits originality and self-expression.
The activist and cultural advocate further urged artistes to carve their own identities, push creative boundaries and remain authentic, rather than chasing historical benchmarks that may no longer apply.
Her comments have sparked conversations across the entertainment industry, with many agreeing that while Fela Kuti’s influence remains unmatched, today’s artistes must be judged by the impact they make within their own time and space.
