Nollywood actress Shaffy Bello has asserted that top Afrobeats stars Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy have already attained the same level of influence as late Afrobeat icon Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
Bello made the remark while speaking on a recent episode of the What I Know podcast hosted by Korty EO, alongside veteran musician Seyi Sodimu.
During the conversation, Korty EO asked whether any of the current generation of Nigerian artistes could reach the legendary status and cultural impact associated with Fela.
In response, Bello said she believes some have already done so, particularly in terms of global recognition and influence.
“I feel some of our guys have reached that,” she said. “The Big 3 have reached it already. International recognition is what we affirm as reaching that level.
“In terms of recognition, power and money, I feel like our Big 3 or Big 4 have reached Fela’s level already. I mean Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, and even Asake, too.”
Her comments come amid renewed global recognition of Fela’s legacy. The Recording Academy recently announced Fela Anikulapo-Kuti as a Special Merit Awards honouree at the 2026 Grammy Awards, making him the first African to receive the distinction.
Beyond his music, Grammy organisers highlighted Fela’s enduring cultural impact, referencing landmarks such as the Kalakuta Museum and the New Afrika Shrine as part of his lasting legacy.
However, the comparisons between Fela and modern Afrobeats stars continue to divide opinion.
His son, Seun Kuti, has consistently warned against drawing parallels between his late father and contemporary artists, describing such comparisons as disrespectful.
Seun Kuti has urged Nigerians to allow Fela’s legacy stand on its own and has criticised artists who describe themselves as the “New Fela,” insisting that sampling Afrobeat music or achieving global fame does not equate to replicating his father’s influence.
The debate highlights the evolving conversation around legacy, influence, and how cultural impact is measured across generations of African music.
