Popular Nigerian record producer Samuel Oguachuba, known as Samklef, has sparked fresh controversy by claiming that Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti was not the true pioneer of the genre.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Samklef alleged that the late Fela borrowed heavily from veteran musician Orlando Julius Ekemode, whom he called the real originator of Afrobeat.

According to Naija News, Samklef made the comments amid the ongoing feud between his former associate Wizkid and members of Fela’s family.

On his (formerly Twitter) account, Samklef shared a photo of Orlando Julius and accused Fela of appropriating his musical style.

“This is the man that created Afrobeat! His name is Orlando Julius Ekemode! Fela stole his style!” he wrote.

He went on to claim that Orlando Julius had a major influence on Fela’s musical development, even teaching him how to play the saxophone.

“The problem with Nigeria is we lack proper documentation. I will start teaching una history,” Samklef added.

The remarks have generated mixed reactions online, with some supporting calls to revisit Afrobeat’s origins, while others accused Samklef of trying to undermine Fela’s legacy.

Music enthusiasts noted that Orlando Julius was indeed a key figure in early Afro-soul and Afrobeat-influenced sounds in the 1960s and 1970s. However, scholars and music historians widely credit Fela with pioneering Afrobeat by fusing funk, jazz, salsa, calypso, and West African rhythms, while using the genre to deliver politically charged messages.

Fela’s innovation, consistency, and global influence remain central to his recognition as the defining figure in Afrobeat.

The ongoing feud between Seun Kuti and Wizkid escalated after Seun criticized the pop star for sporting a tattoo of his late father, Fela Kuti, on his arm.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

During an Instagram Live session, Seun urged Wizkid to remove the tattoo and suggested replacing it with an image of his own father, warning that keeping it could hinder his potential for greatness.

“Remove my father’s (Fela Kuti) tattoo from your arm and replace it with your father’s face. If you don’t, you will never achieve great things with your hands,” Seun declared.

The dispute dates back to when Seun rejected comparisons between Wizkid and Fela, insisting that claims of Wizkid being “bigger” or “more influential” undermine the legendary musician’s legacy. He emphasized that Fela’s impact as a political and cultural activist goes far beyond his music.

Seun also criticized Wizkid’s fans for constantly invoking Fela in online debates, calling the behavior disrespectful. He added that equating modern commercial success with Fela’s historical influence reflects a misunderstanding of history.

While acknowledging Wizkid’s accomplishments as an artist, Seun questioned why anyone would claim he surpasses Fela. He further took issue with Wizkid’s use of the nickname “Big Bird,” saying it was previously associated with him and should not be adopted by others.

In response, Wizkid defended himself on Instagram, rejecting comparisons to Fela and asserting that he is bigger in terms of modern success.

Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has boldly declared himself the new Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Naija News reports that the Zazoo Zeh crooner shared a video in which he compared himself to the Afrobeat legend, insisting that no contemporary musician can surpass him.

He said: “Wizkid claims he’s the new Fela—has he ever been to prison? I am Tony Montana of London. To say you’re bigger than Fela, have you died before, been to prison, or faced life the way I have?

“How much do you have in your account? You are this, you are that—that one is for your pocket. Man, I am bigger than you. I’ve been to prison more times than you. I’ve spent money and risked my body.

“Who do you help? Do you feed people? I’ve fed people on the streets, shared food, and changed lives directly. You’re bigger than Fela—for what? I am more popular than you. I am the new born Fela.”

Portable’s remarks come amid the ongoing feud between Seun Kuti and Wizkid.

The conflict began when Seun Kuti rejected comparisons between his father, Fela, and Wizkid, arguing that calling Wizkid “bigger” or “more influential” diminishes Fela’s legacy. He emphasized that Fela’s influence as a political and cultural activist extends far beyond music success.

Seun also criticized Wizkid’s fans for frequently invoking Fela in online debates, calling their behavior disrespectful, and noted that equating commercial success today with Fela’s historical impact shows a misunderstanding of history.

While acknowledging Wizkid’s achievements, Seun questioned why people feel the need to claim he is greater than Fela and also expressed concern over Wizkid’s use of the nickname “Big Bird,” which he said was previously associated with him.

In response, Wizkid took to Instagram to reject comparisons to Fela, insisting that he is bigger in terms of modern success.