Shaffy Bello Says Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy Have Reached Fela Kuti’s Global Status

Nollywood actress Shaffy Bello has asserted that Nigerian music superstars Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy have already attained a global stature comparable to that of late Afrobeat icon Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

Bello made the assertion during a recent episode of the What I Know podcast hosted by Korty EO, alongside Seyi Sodimu, PulseNets learnt.

According to the veteran actress, the so-called “Big 3” have matched Fela’s level of international recognition, which she described as a key benchmark for legendary status in the global music space.

During the conversation, Korty EO posed the question: “Do you think that some of the present crop of Nigerian artists can reach a legendary status as big and impactful as Fela?”

Responding, Bello said: “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.”

She further explained that beyond artistry alone, other indicators such as influence, wealth, and global power also place today’s Afrobeats stars on a similar pedestal.

“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,” she added.

PulseNets earlier reported that the Recording Academy recently named Fela Anikulapo-Kuti as a Special Merit Awards honouree for the 2026 Grammy Awards, marking him as the first African recipient of the distinction.

The Grammy Awards organisers, while announcing the honour, went beyond Fela’s musical achievements to acknowledge his cultural and political legacy, referencing landmarks such as the Kalakuta Museum and the New Afrika Shrine as enduring symbols of his influence.

However, Fela’s son, Grammy-nominated musician Seun Kuti, has consistently cautioned Nigerians against drawing comparisons between contemporary Afrobeats artists and his late father.

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Speaking previously, Seun Kuti warned that such comparisons were inappropriate, urging the public to allow the Afrobeat pioneer to rest in peace.

He also criticised musicians who brand themselves as “New Fela,” describing the label as misguided and disrespectful to his father’s legacy.