Seun Kuti Asserts That Fela Was Rapping Before The Genre Of Rap Was Established

Nigerian musician Seun Kuti has ignited discussion by asserting that his late father, Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, was an early innovator of rap music.

During a recent episode of the Hits Don’t Lie podcast, Seun contended that Fela incorporated elements of rap-style vocal delivery prior to the formal establishment and popularization of the genre.

He pointed out that the late artist demonstrated characteristics of rapping on his 1980 album Authority Stealing, at a time when the term “rap” had not yet gained widespread recognition.

“Fela was the first person to rap. He did a bit of rapping on the album Authority Stealing,” Seun stated. “When he did it, we didn’t know it was going to be called ‘rap.’”

However, Seun’s claim diverges from commonly accepted narratives regarding hip-hop history. DJ Kool Herc, often considered a foundational figure in hip-hop, is recognized for developing the breakbeat technique in 1973, several years before the release of Authority Stealing.

In conjunction with Afrika Bambaataa and Grandmaster Flash, Kool Herc is widely acknowledged as a key figure in establishing the foundational elements of rap and hip-hop culture in the United States.

As the discussion continues, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti is celebrated globally as the originator of Afrobeats, a genre that has had a significant impact on music throughout Africa and beyond.

“Fela was the first person to rap. When he did it, we didn’t know it was going to be called ‘Rap.'”

– Seun Kuti pic.twitter.com/088i6MnsDr

— Pulse Nigeria (@PulseNigeria247) January 17, 2026