Veteran Afrobeat star Timaya recently sat down with Tribune Online and offered a clear‑cut tribute to the man he believes reshaped the nation’s soundscape. “Fela made Nigerian music popular,” he said, underscoring the late legend’s lasting impact.
Timaya, whose own hits have topped charts across Africa, reflected on how Fela’s pioneering blend of highlife, jazz, and political commentary opened doors for subsequent generations. He noted that without Fela’s fearless creativity, many contemporary artists—including himself—might have struggled to find a global audience.
The interview also touched on the evolution of Afrobeats. While Timaya acknowledges that the genre has expanded beyond its roots, he insists that Fela’s ethos of authenticity remains the gold standard. “We owe him a lot,” Timaya added, highlighting the responsibility current musicians feel to honour that legacy.
Fans of both icons took to social media, flooding comments with gratitude and nostalgia. Many praised Timaya for keeping the conversation alive, while others shared personal stories of how Fela’s music inspired their own artistic journeys.
Timaya’s statement arrives at a time when the Nigerian music industry is navigating new digital frontiers, yet his reminder serves as a grounding force. As the debate continues, one question lingers: are today’s artists truly carrying Fela’s torch, or is there still work to be done?
Team Timaya or Team Fela – where do you stand on preserving the legend’s influence?
Feature image: photo of Timaya via Wikipedia, used under its Creative Commons license.
Source: Tribune Online – read the original report.