Posted by Samuel on Mon 19th Jan, 2026 - tori.ng
The movie star made the claim in a recent episode of the What I Know podcast hosted by Korty EO alongside Seyi Sodimu.
Nollywood actress Shaffy Bello has asserted that Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy have already reached the same level of influence as late Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
The movie star made the claim in a recent episode of the What I Know podcast hosted by Korty EO alongside Seyi Sodimu.
Bello explained that the trio has reached Fela’s level of international recognition.
Korty EO asked: “Do you think that some of the present crop of Nigerian artists can reach a legendary status as big and impactful as Fela?”
Bello replied: “I feel some of our guys have reached that. The Big 3 have reached it already. 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. I mean, Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, and even Asake, too.”
Recall that the Recording Academy has announced Fela Anikulapo Kuti as a Special Merit Awards honoree at the 2026 Grammy Awards, making him the first African recipient.
Beyond music, the Grammy Awards organisers praised the Afrobeat pioneer for the legacy he left behind, citing cultural monuments like the Kalakuta Museum and the New Afrika Shrine.
Meanwhile, Fela’s son, Grammy-nominated musician Seun Kuti, earlier warned Nigerians against comparing Afrobeats artists with his late father, calling it “disrespectful.”
He urged Nigerians to stop the comparisons and allow his late father to rest in peace.
He also slammed some artists who label themselves as “New Fela.”