Tekno challenges Fela's Afrobeats origin claim, credits Eastern legends like Oliver De Coque

Singer Augustine Miles Kelechi, known as Tekno, told Hot 97 FM in New York that Fela Anikulapo-Kuti was not the originator of Afrobeats, stating plainly "Fela is not the originator of Afrobeats." He argued that legends like Oliver De Coque contributed equally to the genre's evolution, claiming Fela "took all the credits" because he was more travelled and "opportune."

This challenges Nigeria's dominant music narrative where Fela is widely credited as Afrobeats' pioneer. Tekno, identifying as Eastern Nigerian, pointed to Oliver De Coque's pure highlife music as foundational, noting highlife is also Afrobeats. He shared that his hit "Rara" draws heavy inspiration from Fela's music, which he heard growing up, but insists he was more inspired by Oliver De Coque and Eastern peers his father played frequently.

Tekno explained that while Fela globalized Afrobeat through international performances, many Nigerian legends across regions shaped the sound but lack recognition due to limited travel opportunities. The debate highlights how cultural credit often favors globally visible figures over local innovators. In Afrobeats' history, should we acknowledge multiple regional pioneers like Oliver De Coque alongside Fela, or does crediting one originator erase vital contributions from Nigeria's diverse musical traditions?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/08/28/fela-not-originator-of-afrobeats-tekno-claims/