Fela Did Not Create Afrobeat, He Stole Afrobeat From Orlando Julius – Samkleff Claims

Samuel Oguachuba, the famous record producer, who is popularly known as Samklef, has challenged the popular belief that Fela Anikulapo-Kuti is the originator of Afrobeat.

The Molowo hitmaker alleged that Fela “stole” the idea of the genre from another veteran musician, Orlando Julius Ekemode.

Samkleff made the allegation amid the ongoing feud between his former associate Wizkid and Fela’s family.

He also claimed that Orlando taught Fela how to play instruments.

Sharing a photo of the legendary Orlando Julius on his X handle, the producer wrote, “This is the man that created afrobeat! His name Orlando Julius Ekemode! Fela stole his style!”

He added, “Fela stole Orlando Julius Ekemode, the original afrobeat founder’s style. He also taught Fela how to play sax!

“The problem with Nigeria is generally, we lack proper documentation.  I go start to Dey teach una history.”

Facts! Fela stole Orlando Julius Ekemode style the original afrobeat founder he also thought fela how to play sax! O
The problem with Nigeria generally we lack proper documentation. I go start to Dey teach una history. https://t.co/PCdfZ8SxQz

— SAMKLEF (@SAMKLEF) January 21, 2026

Orlando Julius Ekemode that created afrobeat is different from Orlando Owo!

Make I start to Dey give una assignment.

— SAMKLEF (@SAMKLEF) January 21, 2026

Contrary to Samkleff’s claims, it is widely believed that Fela created Afrobeat by blending funk, jazz, salsa, calypso, and West African rhythms.