Nigerian singer Tekno has clarified his recent comments about Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti. He stressed that he never denied Fela’s place as the originator of Afrobeat. According to Tekno, his comments were about his personal musical influences. He said he did not grow up listening to Fela.
Tekno explained in a recent interview with Yanga FM that he was born in Bauchi and grew up in Northern Nigeria. Yoruba music was not commonly played around him while growing up.
“I no hear Fela growing up. I didn’t say he’s not the originator of Afrobeat,” he said.
The singer also noted that his sound differs from Fela’s style. According to Tekno, only one of his hit songs sounds like Fela’s type of Afrobeat. He identified the song as “Rara.”
“Of every single hit record I’ve made, the only song I would call or record that would sound like what they would say Fela’s Afrobeat is Rara,” he explained.
He added that Fela did not make songs like “Duro,” “Pana” or “Yawa.” Despite his personal preference, Tekno said he respects Fela’s legacy.
“We all love Fela, but I didn’t listen to him growing up. Even after I grow up, I no still listen to am,” he said.
He compared his preference to being a Ronaldo fan while others support Messi.
“It no mean say Fela no be legend. He wasn’t my king, he never was my king, he will never be my king,” Tekno stated.
When asked about his own musical king, he named legendary highlife musician Oliver De Coque.
Ultimately, Tekno’s comments highlight the difference between respecting a music legend and having a personal musical influence.
While he acknowledges Fela Kuti’s impact on Afrobeat, Tekno remains clear about the music that shaped his own journey. For him, that influence belongs to Oliver De Coque.
