Nigerian Afrobeats star Tekno has stated that Fela Kuti, the late Afrobeat pioneer, was never a musical influence on him growing up. Instead, he credits Igbo highlife legend Oliver De Coque as his biggest musical inspiration. Tekno made these comments during an interview on Yanga FM that aired on Wednesday. He emphasized that his upbringing in Bauchi, where his Igbo father raised him, did not expose him to Yoruba music or Fela's Afrobeat.
Tekno explained that his musical background is distinct from Fela's Afrobeat, except for his song 'Rara', which he admits has a similar sound. His hits, such as 'Duro', 'Pana', and 'Yawa', come from a different musical place entirely. Tekno was careful to distinguish his comments from disputing Fela's legacy, stating that he never claimed Fela wasn't the originator of Afrobeat. He only emphasized that Fela's sound was not part of his own upbringing.
Tekno, born Augustine Miles Kelechi Okechukwu on December 17, 1992, is from Ivo in Ebonyi State but was born in Bauchi and raised across Nasarawa, Kaduna, and Abuja. His father, a Nigerian Army officer, influenced their frequent moves. Tekno began formal music training at age eight and has built a career on hits like 'Pana', 'Duro', and 'Yawa', alongside 'Enjoy', which featured in an episode of the Emmy-winning series Ted Lasso.
Tekno's comments have sparked debate online about musical credit and regional identity in Nigerian music history. This is not the first time he has spoken on the topic; last month, he argued that Fela should not be regarded as Afrobeats' sole originator, pointing to the contributions of Eastern Nigerian highlife musicians like Oliver De Coque in an interview on New York radio station Hot 97.
Tekno also addressed other topics during the Yanga FM interview, including his desire to work with Olamide and Fola on future projects. He clarified that rumors of a falling-out with fellow singer Kizz Daniel are unsubstantiated, stating that the two remain on good terms.
Tekno's musical journey and influences have been shaped by his diverse upbringing and exposure to various genres. While he respects Fela's legacy, he proudly credits Oliver De Coque as his "king" and acknowledges other legends who have inspired him. Tekno's perspective adds to the ongoing conversation about Nigerian music history and the diverse influences that shape the country's vibrant musical landscape.
The conversation sparked by Tekno's comments is expected to continue, with many music enthusiasts and experts weighing in on the significance of Fela Kuti's legacy and the contributions of other Nigerian musicians. As the debate unfolds, Tekno's statements serve as a reminder of the complexities and nuances of Nigerian music history, highlighting the need for a more inclusive understanding of the country's rich musical heritage.
Key points
- Tekno cites Oliver De Coque as his biggest musical inspiration, not Fela Kuti.
- Tekno's upbringing in Bauchi, away from Yoruba music, influenced his distinct musical style.
- Tekno disputes Fela Kuti's influence on his music, but respects his legacy.
