Tekno Sparks Fresh Debate Over the True Origins of Afrobeats

Nigerian singer Tekno has reignited a long-standing conversation within the music industry regarding the origins of Afrobeats. During a recent interview on Hot 97 in New York, the artist challenged the widely held narrative that the legendary Fela Kuti is the sole creator of the genre. His comments have since sparked fresh debates online, with fans and music lovers divided over the history of the music.

What Tekno Said

Tekno clarified that his intention was not to disrespect Fela Kuti's legacy but to broaden the scope of recognition for other pioneers. He argued that the narrative around the music's history is too narrow and often ignores the contributions of other legends.

"My point is simple: Fela is not the originator of Afrobeats," Tekno stated during the interview. He explained that while Fela receives global credit because he traveled and performed internationally with his band, artists from other regions also played a massive role. Specifically, Tekno pointed to his own Eastern roots, citing highlife legend Oliver De Coque. He emphasized that highlife music, which heavily influenced modern Afrobeats, was a major part of the foundation.

Why the Topic Always Starts Debate

The topic remains highly controversial due to a mix of cultural pride and semantic confusion. A major source of the argument is the distinction between "Afrobeat" (without an 's')—the politically charged, horn-heavy genre pioneered by Fela in the 1960s—and "Afrobeats" (with an 's'), the modern pop wave that emerged in the 2010s.

Additionally, the conversation touches on regional representation. Many fans believe the historical narrative often focuses too heavily on Lagos and the South-West, neglecting the immense influence of highlife music from the East, which Tekno highlighted in his interview.

Reactions from Fans and Music Lovers

The internet has been split by Tekno's comments. Some fans supported his broader perspective, agreeing that other legends deserve recognition. One user noted, "Tekno said what a lot of people are afraid to say. Highlife contributed heavily to what we call Afrobeats today." Others argued that African rhythms existed long before Fela, and his contribution was simply giving the sound a global platform.

However, the comments also received significant pushback. Some critics accused Tekno of distorting history and being disrespectful to Fela's unmatched legacy. Tekno later clarified his stance, explaining that his words were misinterpreted and that he never denied Fela's iconic place in history.