Veteran Nollywood actress Shaffy Bello has ignited a fresh debate in Nigeria's entertainment scene by placing contemporary Afrobeats superstars on the same legendary pedestal as the late Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Her bold declaration directly challenges the recent stance of Fela's son, Seun Kuti, who warned against such comparisons.
A Bold Declaration on Global Recognition
Shaffy Bello made her comments during a recent appearance on the "What I Know" podcast hosted by Korty EO, which also featured singer Seyi Sodimu. When asked if today's artists could ever attain a level of impact comparable to Fela's, Bello responded without hesitation.
She asserted that in terms of international recognition, power, and financial success, artists like Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy have already reached Fela's level. She notably expanded this elite list to include the sensational "Lungu Boy" crooner, Asake, referring to them collectively as the "Big 3 or Big 4."
Clashing with the Kuti Legacy
Bello's perspective, shared in the podcast episode published around January 19, 2026, stands in sharp contrast to views expressed by Seun Kuti just days earlier. The Grammy-nominated musician and custodian of his father's musical legacy had cautioned Nigerians against drawing parallels between modern Afrobeats stars and Fela, describing such acts as "disrespectful."
Seun Kuti has consistently argued that his father's legacy is not merely about fame or global attention. He emphasizes that Fela's status was built on a foundation of activism, political ideology, and personal sacrifice—elements he implies are not the primary focus of today's chart-topping artists.
Social Media Reacts to the Comparison
The actress's comments quickly sparked reactions online, with fans and commentators divided on the validity of the comparison. While some social media users agreed with Bello's assessment based on measurable global success, others echoed Seun Kuti's sentiment, believing artistic impact and cultural revolution cannot be equated with commercial achievement.
This is not the first time Shaffy Bello has been vocal about matters of respect and generational dynamics. In a 2024 interview with Stephanie Coker, she addressed how she handles perceived disrespect from younger people, noting cultural differences in expressions of respect between ethnic groups like the Igbos and Yorubas.
The debate underscores a perennial tension in Nigerian pop culture: how to measure the legacy of a revolutionary icon like Fela against the unprecedented commercial and global reach of the current Afrobeats wave. While Shaffy Bello measures by "international recognition, power and money," the Kuti family measures by socio-political influence and artistic activism, leaving the question of legendary status open for public discourse.
