Nigerian singer Inetimi Timaya Odon, popularly known as Timaya, has credited the late Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti for paving the way for the global success of contemporary Nigerian music.

Speaking on an episode of the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast, Timaya reflected on Fela’s enduring legacy, noting that the icon’s influence extends far beyond Nigeria. He shared that Fela is revered internationally, citing Cameroon as an example where the late musician is treated with god-like reverence and dedicated radio programming.

“Without Fela, nobody would have known us and we wouldn’t be here singing music,” Timaya stated, emphasizing that he holds deep respect for both Fela and his family.

Timaya’s remarks contrast with recent comments from fellow singer Augustine Kelechi, known as Tekno, who publicly stated that Fela is not his musical icon. In a recent interview on Yanga FM Lagos, Tekno named highlife legend Oliver De Coque as his true musical king, explaining that growing up as an Igbo boy in Kaduna shaped his preference for highlife over Fela’s Afrobeat sound.