“Don’t Compare Chalk and Cheese” — Yeni Kuti Slams Fela Comparisons, Urges Respect for Legends

Yeni Kuti, daughter of late Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, has condemned comparisons between her father and contemporary artistes, describing such debates as misplaced, disrespectful and unnecessary.

She made the remarks during an interview with ARISE News, shared on Monday, where she stressed that Fela’s enduring relevance nearly three decades after his death is proof of his legendary status and cultural impact.

Yeni urged both artistes and fans to focus on peer-to-peer comparisons within the current generation rather than dragging icons into rivalry narratives.

“Don’t compare chalk and cheese. Fela is a legend. Give him his flowers,” she said. “He’s done his own if you are still talking about him 29 years after his death. You are comparing yourself to someone who has been gone 29 years. It’s not a good thing. Compare yourself with your peers and leave our legends alone.”

Her comments come amid renewed conversations around Fela’s legacy following his historic recognition by the Recording Academy. Fela Anikulapo-Kuti recently became the first African artiste to receive a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, honoured posthumously at the 2026 Special Merit Awards in Los Angeles on January 31, on the eve of the main Grammy ceremony.

The prestigious award was accepted on his behalf by his children—Yeni, Kunle, Shalewa and Femi Kuti.

Yeni’s remarks have reignited discussions on how Africa’s music legends should be celebrated and preserved without being drawn into generational comparisons.