Renowned Nollywood actress Shaffy Bello has sparked a major debate within Nigeria’s entertainment industry by claiming that today’s top Afrobeats stars have achieved the same legendary status as the late Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
Speaking on a recent episode of the What I Know podcast, co-hosted by Korty EO and Seyi Sodimu, Bello said the global success of Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy places them on par with the late icon. When asked if current artists could ever reach Fela’s level of impact, she responded:
“I feel some of our guys have reached that. The Big 3 have reached it already. International recognition is what we affirm as reaching that level.”
Shaffy Bello went on to expand her list, introducing what she described as the “Big 4,” and cited specific markers of success that she believes bridge the gap between generations.
“In terms of recognition, power and money, I feel like our Big 3 or Big 4 have reached Fela’s level already. I mean, Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, and even Asake, too,” she stated.
Her comments come at a time of renewed global attention on Fela Kuti, who was recently announced as a 2026 Grammy Special Merit Awards honoree. The comparison, however, remains a sensitive topic within the Nigerian music industry.
Fela’s son, Seun Kuti, has previously criticized such comparisons, describing the idea of equating modern Afrobeats stars with his father as “disrespectful.”
While critics argue that Fela’s legacy is rooted in political activism, social resistance, and cultural revolution, Bello maintains that the modern era’s unprecedented financial power, global chart dominance, and international visibility now define legendary status in Nigerian music.
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