Popular Nigerian singer Timaya has declared that Nigerian music would not enjoy the global popularity and recognition it commands today without the foundational contributions of the late Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
Speaking during a recent episode of the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast, the artist emphasized the deep personal and industry-wide influence of the music icon. Timaya noted that Fela served as a primary source of inspiration not only for himself but for generations of Nigerian musicians who followed in his footsteps.
Describing the global reach of Fela's legacy, Timaya highlighted how the late legend is revered across the African continent. He pointed specifically to Cameroon, where he observed that Fela is honored almost like a deity, with local radio stations dedicating whole weekend programs exclusively to playing his catalog. Because of this massive legacy, Timaya stated that he holds unwavering respect for the late musician and his family.
"Without Fela, nobody would have known us and we wouldn’t be here singing music," Timaya stated during the podcast. "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 program on weekends where they only play his music. Fela is the greatest man; I can never in my life disrespect him nor his family."
Timaya's homage comes amidst ongoing debates within the music industry regarding musical influences and legacies. Recently, singer Tekno reaffirmed his previous stance that Fela was not his personal "king" of Nigerian music. Speaking in an interview with Yanga FM Lagos, Tekno explained that growing up in Kaduna as an Igbo child, he was exposed to highlife legend Oliver De Coque rather than Afrobeat, declaring Oliver De Coque as his true musical king.
26 Sept 2026
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