Nollywood actress Shaffy Bello has stated that contemporary Nigerian artists Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy have reached the same level of international recognition as Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
During a recent episode of the What I Know podcast, co-hosted by Korty EO, Bello highlighted the global success, influence, and wealth of these artists as evidence that they are on par with the legendary Fela.
When asked whether today’s Nigerian musicians could achieve the legendary status of Fela, Bello replied, “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. 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.”
Bello’s remarks have reignited discussions about the legacy of Fela Kuti and the impact of modern Nigerian artists on the global stage.
However, Fela’s son, Seun Kuti, has previously urged caution against direct comparisons, stressing the importance of respecting his father’s unique contributions to music and activism.
Bello’s comments highlight the growing international influence of Nigerian music, with artists like Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy continuing to expand Afrobeat’s reach worldwide while sparking debates about legacy and generational impact in the industry.
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