Veteran Nollywood actress Shaffy Bello has stirred conversation after claiming that Nigerian music superstars Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy have already attained the same level of global recognition as late Afrobeat icon Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
Bello made the assertion during an episode of the What I Know podcast, hosted by Korty EO alongside Seyi Sodimu.
Responding to a question on whether today’s Nigerian artistes could reach a legendary status as influential as Fela’s, the actress argued that some already have.
“I feel some of our guys have reached that. The Big 3 have reached it already,” Bello said.
“International recognition is what we affirm as reaching that level. In terms of recognition, power and money, I feel like our Big 3 or Big 4 have reached Fela’s level already Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, and even Asake.”
Her comments come amid renewed global recognition for Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
Recording Academy announced the Afrobeat pioneer as a Special Merit Awards honoree at the 2026 Grammy Awards, making him the first African to receive the honour.
Beyond his music, the Grammy organisers praised Fela’s lasting cultural impact, citing landmarks such as the Kalakuta Museum and the New Afrika Shrine as symbols of his enduring legacy.
However, the comparisons have drawn criticism from Fela’s son, Grammy-nominated musician Seun Kuti, who has repeatedly warned Nigerians against likening contemporary Afrobeats stars to his late father.
Seun described such comparisons as “disrespectful” and urged the public to allow Fela rest in peace. He also criticised artistes who refer to themselves as the “New Fela.”
