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Veteran Nollywood actress Shaffy Bello has stirred conversation online after stating that some of Nigeria’s biggest contemporary music stars have attained a level of international recognition comparable to that of the late Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. Her remarks have sparked mixed reactions, especially among music lovers who consider Fela’s influence unmatched.
Bello made the claim during a recent appearance on the podcast What I Know, co-hosted by popular content creator Korty EO. While speaking on the global impact of Nigerian music, the actress pointed to the achievements of Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy as proof that modern Nigerian artists are now operating on the same global stage once dominated by Fela.
During the conversation, Korty EO posed a direct question to Bello, asking, “Do you think that some of the present crop of Nigerian artists can reach a legendary status as big and impactful as Fela?” The question set the tone for a broader discussion about legacy, global influence, and what it means to achieve legendary status in the music industry.
In her response, Bello expressed strong confidence that some artists have already crossed that threshold. She said, “I feel some of our guys have reached that. The Big 3 have reached it already. International recognition is what we affirm as reaching that level.”
Expanding on her point, the actress explained that global visibility, financial power, and influence are key markers in assessing how far an artist has gone. According to her, these elements place today’s leading Nigerian stars in the same conversation as Fela. “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,” she added.
Bello’s comments reflect a growing belief that Nigerian music has evolved into a global force, with artistes now headlining international festivals, selling out arenas worldwide, and collaborating with major global stars. Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy have all won international awards, topped global charts, and built brands that extend far beyond music.
However, her comparison has not gone without criticism. Many argue that while modern artists enjoy massive commercial success and global reach, Fela’s influence went beyond music into activism, politics, and social reform. To critics, Fela’s legacy is deeply rooted in his role as a cultural and political voice, not just in popularity or wealth.
This debate is not new. In the past, Fela’s son, Seun Kuti, has openly rejected comparisons between his father and contemporary artists. Seun has consistently warned against equating commercial success with the kind of historical and cultural impact Fela had, urging people to respect his father’s legacy and the unique role he played in African and global music history.
Despite the differing opinions, Bello’s remarks highlight how far Nigerian music has come on the world stage. The current generation of artists has helped redefine global perceptions of African music, pushing Afrobeats into mainstream international spaces that were once difficult to access.
While some fans agree with Bello’s assessment based on global recognition and influence, others maintain that Fela’s legacy stands in a category of its own. As the conversation continues, it underscores an ongoing generational debate about what truly defines greatness and legacy in music.
Regardless of where one stands, the discussion reflects the undeniable impact Nigerian artists—past and present—have had in shaping global music culture.
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