Veteran Nollywood actress Shaffy Bello has stirred debate in Nigeria’s entertainment space after declaring that Afrobeats superstars Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy have already reached the same global stature as the late Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
Bello made the remarks during a recent episode of the What I Know podcast, hosted by Korty EO and co-hosted by cultural commentator Seyi Sodimu.
The conversation, which explored legacy, cultural influence, and the evolution of Nigerian music, has since sparked widespread reactions across social media and entertainment circles.
Responding to a question on whether contemporary Nigerian artistes could ever attain a legendary status comparable to Fela’s, Bello argued that the benchmark has already been met by what is commonly referred to as Nigeria’s “Big 3.”
“I feel some of our guys have reached that level already,” she said.
“The Big 3 have reached it. International recognition is what we affirm as reaching that level.”
Wizkid Davido Burna Boy on Same Level as Fela, Says Shaffy Bello
Expanding on her position, Bello emphasised that global recognition, influence, and economic power are key indicators of legendary status in the modern music industry.
According to her, when these factors are applied, Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy stand shoulder to shoulder with the Afrobeat icon.
“In terms of recognition, power and money, I feel like our Big 3 or Big 4 have reached Fela’s level already,” she added.
“I mean Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, and even Asake too.”
Her comments reflect a broader shift in how artistic legacy is measured in the digital age.
Unlike Fela’s era, where cultural impact was largely regional and political, today’s Afrobeats stars operate on a global stage, selling out arenas across Europe, North America, and Asia while dominating international music charts.
Wizkid’s Grammy win, Burna Boy’s consistent global tours and festival headlining slots, and Davido’s record-breaking streaming numbers and endorsements have positioned Nigerian music at the centre of global pop culture.
For many observers, this global reach validates Bello’s assertion that the trio has matched Fela’s international prominence, even if their modes of influence differ.
However, the comparison has not gone unchallenged.
Debate Over Fela’s Legacy and Modern Afrobeats
While Bello’s remarks celebrate the achievements of the current Afrobeats generation, they arrive amid ongoing debates about the appropriateness of comparing contemporary artists with Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
Fela, who died in 1997, was not only a musical revolutionary but also a political activist whose work directly confronted military regimes, corruption, and social injustice. His influence extended beyond music into ideology, resistance, and African identity.
Recently, the Recording Academy announced Fela as a Special Merit Awards honouree at the 2026 Grammy Awards, making him the first African recipient of the prestigious recognition.
The Academy praised his enduring cultural legacy, highlighting institutions such as the Kalakuta Museum and the New Afrika Shrine as lasting monuments to his influence.
Against this backdrop, Fela’s son, Grammy-nominated musician Seun Kuti, has repeatedly cautioned against comparing his late father with modern Afrobeats stars.
He has described such comparisons as “disrespectful,” urging Nigerians to allow Fela’s legacy to stand on its own terms.
Seun Kuti has also criticised artists who brand themselves as “New Fela,” insisting that sampling Afrobeat elements or achieving commercial success does not equate to embodying his father’s ideological impact.
A Generational Shift in Measuring Greatness
Supporters of Shaffy Bello’s view argue that comparisons should be contextual rather than literal.
They contend that while Fela’s influence was rooted in activism and rebellion, Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy represent a different form of soft power—one driven by global visibility, cultural export, and economic influence.
In this sense, the claim that Wizkid Davido Burna Boy are on the same level as Fela reflects a generational shift in how greatness is defined.
Where Fela challenged systems, today’s Afrobeats stars are reshaping global perceptions of Africa through music, fashion, and popular culture.
As the debate continues, one point remains clear: Nigerian music, past and present, continues to command global attention.
Whether viewed as equals or as distinct icons of different eras, both Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and the Afrobeats Big 3 have left indelible marks on the world stage.
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