Nigerian singer Timaya has credited the late Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, with playing a major role in popularising Nigerian music both locally and internationally.
Timaya stated this while speaking on an episode of the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast, where he described Fela as a major inspiration to him and many other Nigerian artistes.
The singer said Fela’s influence extended beyond Nigeria, claiming that the Afrobeat pioneer is highly revered in Cameroon.
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According to him, Fela’s contributions to Nigerian music were so significant that he could never disrespect him or his family.
“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. They even have a radio programme on weekends where they only play his music. Fela is the greatest man I can never in my life disrespect him nor his family,” he said.
Timaya’s comments come amid a recent debate among Nigerian artistes over Fela’s status and influence in the country’s music history.
Afrobeats singer Tekno had recently reaffirmed his position that Fela was not his “king” of Nigerian music.
Speaking in a recent interview with Yanga FM Lagos, Tekno said he considered highlife musician Oliver De Coque his “king” of music.
Explaining his position, Tekno said he grew up in Kaduna and was not exposed to Fela’s music while growing up.
“Fela is not and will never be my king [of music]. Oliver De Coque is the king for me,” he stated.