# Debate over Afrobeats origins and Fela Kuti's influence > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/debate-over-afrobeats-origins-and-fela-kutis-influence > Updated: 2026-09-25T16:38:49.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2. Nigerian musician Tekno has initiated a debate regarding the historical origins and influences of the Afrobeats genre. In an interview with Hot 97 FM in New York, Tekno acknowledged Fela Kuti’s role in bringing Afrobeat to an international audience but argued that Kuti receives disproportionate credit. Tekno suggested that musicians from southeastern Nigeria, specifically citing highlife legend Oliver De Coque, were vital to the genre's evolution. In subsequent remarks on Yanga FM, Tekno clarified that while he recognizes Kuti as an originator, the late musician was not his personal “king.” He attributed this to his upbringing in Bauchi by his Igbo father, which limited his exposure to Yoruba music. He noted that while his song ‘Rara’ was inspired by the Afrobeat sound, other hits like ‘Duro’ and ‘Pana’ stem from different musical backgrounds. Ayo Kuti, the grandson of Fela Kuti, responded to the controversy by dismissing the significance of the comments, stating, “I don’t rate Tekno enough to care about what he said.” ## Timeline ### 2026-09-25: Tekno sparks debate over Fela Kuti's musical influence Singer Tekno has stated that Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti was not his musical influence, citing his upbringing and a preference for Igbo highlife legend Oliver De Coque. Fela Kuti’s grandson, Ayo Kuti, dismissed. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tekno-sparks-debate-over-fela-kutis-musical-influence ### 2026-08-28: Tekno challenges Fela Kuti's sole claim to Afrobeats origins Nigerian singer Tekno argues that the origins of Afrobeats extend beyond Fela Kuti, highlighting the contributions of other legends like Oliver De Coque and the influence of highlife music. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tekno-challenges-fela-kutis-sole-claim-to-afrobeats-origins --- Cite as: Debate over Afrobeats origins and Fela Kuti's influence. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/debate-over-afrobeats-origins-and-fela-kutis-influence