Fela not originator of Afrobeats – Tekno claims

Singer Augustine Miles Kelechi, known professionally as Tekno, has ignited debate over the origins of Afrobeats, suggesting that the late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti is not the genre’s sole pioneer, as commonly believed.

In a recent interview with Hot 97 FM in New York, Tekno pointed out that various music legends, including Oliver De Coque, have significantly influenced the development of Afrobeats alongside Fela.

“Fela is not the originator of Afrobeats. While people in Lagos and among the Yorubas may view him as the primary figure, I come from the East, where we had our own legends like Oliver De Coque, who made pure highlife music. Highlife is also a form of Afrobeats,” Tekno stated.

He acknowledged Fela’s substantial contributions to the genre and his role in popularizing Afrobeat on an international scale. However, he emphasized the importance of recognizing other influential artists.

“My song ‘Rara’ is heavily inspired by Fela because I grew up listening to his music. He is indeed a legend. But we also had many artists in the East whose work remains underappreciated. My father frequently played Oliver De Coque’s music,” Tekno explained.

He contended that Fela received disproportionate recognition largely because of his global performances and tours, which many attribute to his status as the genre’s originator. “To some, he is the face of Afrobeats, but there are many other legends who deserve acknowledgment,” Tekno said.

Read Full Article