Fela’s legacy paved way for Nigerian music – Timaya

Afrobeats singer Timaya has credited the late Afrobeat musician, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, with helping Nigerian music gain global recognition.

Speaking on the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast, Timaya said Fela's music and legacy inspired him and several other Nigerian artistes.

He said Fela's influence extended beyond Nigeria, noting that the musician was highly respected in Cameroon, where his music is still celebrated.

“Without Fela, nobody would have known us and we wouldn't be here singing music. I call him Baba because he didn't inspire only me and other Nigerians. Go to Cameroon; they honour his name like God,” Timaya said.

He added that Fela's contributions to Nigerian music were so significant that he could never disrespect the late musician or his family.

“Fela is the greatest man. I can never in my life disrespect him or his family,” he stated.

Timaya's comments come after fellow singer Tekno recently maintained that Fela was not his king of Nigerian music.

Speaking in an interview with Yanga FM Lagos, Tekno said he regarded highlife musician Oliver De Coque as his preferred musical icon.

“Fela is not and will never be my king of music. Oliver De Coque is the king for me,” he said.

Tekno explained that he is Igbo, grew up in Kaduna and was not exposed to Fela's music while growing up.