Tekno rekindles the debate on the origins of Afrobeats

Nigerian singer Tekno has reignited the debate on the origins of Afrobeats by downplaying the role of Fela Kuti in the emergence of the genre. While recognizing the major influence of the Nigerian legend, he believes that other artists, like Oliver De Coque, deserve more recognition.

Nigerian singer Augustine Miles Kelechi, better known as Tekno, has sparked controversy after questioning Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s role in the history of Afrobeats. During a recent interview with Hot 97 FM in New York, the artist felt that Fela Kuti could not be considered the sole figure behind the evolution of the musical genre. Tekno notably cited several major figures in Nigerian music, including Oliver De Coque, whose contribution to the development of African sounds deserves, according to him, more recognition.

The singer believes that Fela Kuti, who remains a major figure in African music and one of the pioneers of Afrobeat, has benefited from greater international exposure. According to Tekno, his numerous travels and his sense of promotion also allowed him to occupy a central place in the story around the origins of the genre. While recognizing the immense legacy left by Fela Kuti, Tekno therefore considers that the story of Afrobeats must be told in a broader manner, by integrating other artists who contributed to its development. His statements quickly reignited discussions on the true origins and different influences that have shaped contemporary African music.