Timaya: Without Fela, Nobody Would Have Known Us
Kehinde Adeleye
Nigerian singer Timaya has praised the late Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, saying the country’s music industry would not have attained its current level of global recognition without his contribution.
Timaya made the remarks during an episode of the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast, where he described Fela as a major inspiration to him and other Nigerian artistes.
The singer also highlighted what he described as Fela’s influence beyond Nigeria, claiming that the late musician is deeply respected in Cameroon.
“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,” Timaya said.
He added that Fela’s contribution to Nigerian music was so significant that he could never disrespect the late musician or his family.
“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 place and influence in the country’s music history.
Afrobeats singer Tekno recently reiterated that Fela was not his personal “king” of Nigerian music, naming legendary Igbo highlife musician Oliver De Coque instead.
Speaking on Yanga FM, Tekno explained that he grew up in Bauchi and did not listen to Fela’s music while growing up.
“I didn’t listen to Fela growing up,” he said, while stressing that his comments should not be interpreted as a denial of Fela’s place in music history.
Tekno said only his song Rara bears a sound similar to Fela’s Afrobeat, while identifying Oliver De Coque as the musician he considers his “king.”
The contrasting views have renewed conversations about the different musical influences that shaped Nigerian music and the roles played by artistes from various regions and musical traditions.
