Tekno Challenges Fela's Legacy in Afrobeats Narrative

Nigerian singer Augustine Miles Kelechi, known as Tekno, has challenged the widely accepted view that the late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti is the sole originator of Afrobeats. In an interview with Hot 97 FM in New York, Tekno acknowledged Fela's major contributions to the genre but argued that other Nigerian legends, such as Oliver De Coque, also played significant roles in the evolution of Afrobeats.

Tekno's perspective is influenced by his Eastern Nigerian upbringing, where he frequently listened to De Coque's highlife music, which he believes contains elements associated with modern Afrobeats. He expressed that his father often played De Coque's music during his childhood, which inspired him.

While praising Fela's influence, Tekno noted that his own music reflects Fela's impact, revealing that one of his songs was heavily inspired by the music legend.