Jaywon Shares His Thoughts On Fela Kuti In The Context Of The Afrobeat And Afrobeats Discussion

Nigerian singer Oluwajuwonlo Iledare, known as Jaywon, has addressed the ongoing debate about Afrobeats and Afrobeat, supporting the legacy of the influential pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

In a social media post from January 20, 2026, Jaywon warned fans and commentators against minimizing Fela’s impact while acknowledging the global achievements of contemporary Afrobeats artists.

Responding to assertions that Afrobeats has overtaken Afrobeat, Jaywon emphasized that no current artist can be compared to Fela Kuti, whose influence extended beyond music into culture, politics, and activism.

He encouraged supporters of modern Afrobeats to refrain from unnecessary comparisons, referring to today’s musicians as “children” in the genre’s history—artists who should have the space to develop without being placed in competition with cultural icons.

Jaywon noted that Fela’s contributions to African music and global awareness are unparalleled, and that excessive online enthusiasm may mislead younger fans into overlooking the historical origins of the genre they celebrate.

His remarks have reignited discussions on social media, with some users affirming the necessity of respecting Afrobeat’s foundational roots, while others argue that Afrobeats’ international success signifies a new phase of prominence.

This exchange highlights a persistent tension in the discourse surrounding Nigerian music—balancing the celebration of Afrobeats’ global achievements with honoring the pioneers who established the genre.