Nigerian singer Augustine Miles Kelechi, better known as Tekno, has stirred conversation online with new remarks about the roots of Afrobeats. The artist questioned the widely held view that the late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti alone created the genre.
In a recent chat on Hot 97 FM in New York, Tekno said the history of the sound is broader than one name. He pointed out that several Nigerian and African music icons played key roles in shaping what Afrobeats has become today.
The singer specifically mentioned highlife legend Oliver De Coque as one of the figures whose influence was just as significant. According to Tekno, artists like De Coque helped lay the musical foundation that later evolved into the modern Afrobeats we hear now.
His comments have since drawn mixed reactions from fans and industry observers. While some agree that Afrobeats’ evolution involved many contributors over decades, others insist that Fela’s Afrobeat and its political, rhythmic identity remain central to the genre’s origin story.
The debate highlights an ongoing discussion about credit and lineage in Nigerian music. As Afrobeats continues to gain global recognition, conversations around its pioneers and the different styles that fed into it have become more frequent.
Tekno Sparks Debate After Saying Fela Wasn’t the Sole Pioneer of Afrobeats
