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Nigerian singer Timaya has praised late Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, saying the country’s music industry would not have attained its current level of popularity without his contributions.
The singer made the remarks while speaking on an episode of the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast, where he reflected on Fela’s influence on Nigerian music and the inspiration he has provided to generations of artistes.
Timaya described Fela as a major figure whose impact went beyond Nigeria, noting that his music and legacy have continued to receive recognition outside the country.
‘Without Fela, Nobody Would Have Known Us’
According to Timaya, Fela played a significant role in laying the foundation for the Nigerian sound that has continued to gain international attention.
The singer said Fela’s influence was not limited to him or other Nigerian artistes, adding that his name and music are also recognised in other African countries.
“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,” he said.
Timaya further claimed that Fela’s music remains popular in Cameroon, where he said there is a weekend radio programme dedicated to playing his songs.
He used the example to demonstrate what he considers the lasting impact of the Afrobeat pioneer beyond Nigeria’s borders.
Timaya Pays Tribute To Fela
The singer also spoke strongly about his respect for Fela and his family.
Timaya said he could never disrespect the late musician or members of his family because of the contributions he believes Fela made to Nigerian music.
“Fela is the greatest man I can’t never in my life disrespect him nor his family,” he said.
For Timaya, Fela’s legacy is connected to the growth of Nigerian music and the ability of artistes from the country to gain recognition beyond Africa.
His comments also highlight the different ways Nigerian musicians view the pioneers who came before them and helped shape the country’s diverse musical traditions.
Fela, who died in 1997, remains one of the most influential figures associated with Afrobeat, a genre that has continued to influence musicians across generations.
Tekno Holds Different View
Timaya’s comments come after fellow Nigerian singer Tekno recently reaffirmed his position that Fela is not his “king” of Nigerian music.
Tekno made the clarification during a recent interview with Yanga FM Lagos, where he maintained that he considers veteran highlife musician Oliver De Coque to be his preferred musical king.
“Fela is not and will never be my king [of music]. Oliver De Coque is the king for me,” Tekno stated.
Explaining his position, Tekno said his personal background influenced his musical perspective.
The singer noted that he is Igbo, grew up in Kaduna and did not hear Fela’s music while growing up.
“I’m an Igbo, who grew up in Kaduna and never heard of Fela’s music,” he explained.
Different Perspectives On Nigerian Music
The contrasting comments from Timaya and Tekno have highlighted the different ways artistes relate to Nigeria’s musical history.
While Timaya considers Fela a foundational figure whose influence helped Nigerian music gain wider recognition, Tekno has identified Oliver De Coque as the musician he personally regards as the king of Nigerian music.
Their positions also reflect how an artiste’s upbringing, cultural background and exposure to different genres can influence the musicians they admire.
Timaya’s praise for Fela was centred on the pioneer’s broader impact on Nigerian music and his influence on artistes who came after him.
Tekno, on the other hand, framed his position around his personal musical experience and the music he encountered while growing up.
Despite their differing views, both singers have drawn attention to the contributions of earlier generations of Nigerian musicians.
For Timaya, however, Fela’s contribution remains especially significant. He credited the late pioneer with inspiring him and other Nigerian artistes while also pointing to the continued recognition of his music across Africa.
His remarks underline the enduring place Fela occupies in discussions about Nigerian music and the evolution of sounds that have gone on to attract audiences around the world.
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