Seun Kuti at again, says his father Fela Aníkúlápó Kuti was the first person to do rap music when the game have no name, he said Fela did it in 1970s but nobody know what to call it.
Seun Kuti has stirred the pot with plenty of controversial statements over the years, but this one? It’s really ignited a firestorm online.
Seun Kuti at again
In a recent conversation, the Afrobeat musician and activist made a striking assertion about his late father, the iconic Nigerian music legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Seun claims that what we now recognize as rap was something Fela was already pioneering decades ago — long before the genre even had a name.
Seun Kuti at again
And just like that, music enthusiasts, hip-hop aficionados, Afrobeat purists, and cultural historians jumped into heated debates.
If you’ve ever tuned in closely to Fela’s music, Seun’s claim doesn’t seem too far-fetched. Fela was renowned for his lengthy, fearless spoken-word segments layered over powerful drum beats, basslines, and brass. He didn’t just sing — he spoke, chanted, preached, and rhythmically challenged the powers that be. Seun Kuti at again
Songs like “Zombie,” “Coffin for Head of State,” “ITT,” and “Sorrow, Tears and Blood” showcased extended monologues where Fela connected directly with the people, riding the rhythm with impeccable timing and raw emotion. No catchy hooks. No melodies. Just pure rhythm, a strong message, and undeniable attitude. Seun Kuti at again
To many fans, that sounds strikingly similar to what later evolved into rap.
However, not everyone is on board with Seun Kuti’s assertion.
Critics argue that while Fela did employ spoken-word techniques, rap as a genre truly blossomed from African-American communities in the Bronx during the 1970s, with its own unique cultural roots, styles, and evolution. They contend that labeling Fela as “the first rapper” overlooks the contributions of hip-hop pioneers like DJ Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, and Afrika Bambaataa.
Some people argue that both perspectives can hold true: Fela might not fit the mold of a modern rapper, but he was definitely using a rap-like style long before the genre hit the global stage. Seun Kuti at again
And that’s where the real debate starts to heat up.
Seun Kuti’s comments have sparked a much broader discussion — one that dives into the African influence on global music. Long before hip-hop emerged, Africans were weaving stories through drums, rhythms, and chants. The art of spoken-word performance didn’t originate in America; it was passed down, transformed, and redefined. Seun Kuti at again
So when Seun claims that Fela was rapping before the term even existed, many interpret it not as a slight against hip-hop, but as a reminder that African music has always been ahead of its time. Seun Kuti at again
As you might expect, the reactions online have been intense.
Some fans praise Seun for speaking the truth and honoring his father’s legacy. Others accuse him of blowing things out of proportion, dubbing it another instance of “podcast capping.” Regardless, the conversation is far from dying down — and that’s precisely why it’s important.
This isn’t just about Fela or rap. It’s about who gets the credit, who narrates history, and how we remember African contributions.
So… Was Fela the First Rapper or Not?
That really depends on who you ask.
What’s undeniable is this:
Fela Anikulapo Kuti was doing something groundbreaking — merging rhythm, speech, politics, and performance in a way that the world had never witnessed before.
And here we are, decades later, still debating it.
Now it’s your turn:
Do you think Fela was already rapping before the term existed, or is Seun Kuti stretching the truth this time?
Meanwhile; Olamide Baddoo the ceo of YBNL has said that if Afrobeat superstar OmahLay agrees to with his record label,, he will offer him a blank cheque deal because that will mean him getting the best superstar from Africa
Veteran Nigerian rapper and music executive, Olamide Adedeji, better known as Olamide, has ignited quite the buzz in the Afrobeats scene after announcing that he would hand singer Omah Lay a blank cheque if he ever decides to join YBNL Records. Continue reading here
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