TIMAYA: NIGERIAN MUSIC WOULDN’T HAVE GAINED POPULARITY WITHOUT FELA

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By: Muftau Fatimo

Singer Timaya has credited the late Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, with playing a significant role in the growth and global recognition of Nigerian music.

Timaya made the remarks while speaking on an episode of the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast, where he described Fela as a major inspiration to him and several other Nigerian artistes.

According to the singer, Fela’s influence extends beyond Nigeria, noting that his legacy is highly revered in Cameroon, where he claimed the music icon is honoured almost like a deity.

Timaya stressed that Fela’s immense contribution to Nigerian music was enough reason for him to hold the late singer and his family in high regard.

He said, “Without Fela, nobody would have known us and we wouldn’t be here singing music. I call him Baba because he didn’t inspire only me and other Nigerians. Go to Cameroon, they honour his name like God. They even have a radio programme on weekends where they only play his music.

“Fela is the greatest man. I can never in my life disrespect him or his family.”

Timaya’s comments come amid a recent debate among Nigerian artistes over Fela’s status and influence in the country’s music industry.

Afrobeats singer Tekno recently stood by his earlier position that Fela is not his “king” of Nigerian music.

Speaking in an interview with Yanga FM Lagos, Tekno identified highlife legend Oliver De Coque as his preferred music icon.

The singer explained that, although he is Igbo, he grew up in Kaduna and was not exposed to Fela’s music while growing up.

He said, “Fela is not and will never be my king [of music]. Oliver De Coque is the king for me.”