Fela Taught Tony Allen, Not the Other Way Around, Femi Kuti Claims

 Afrobeat star Femi Kuti has strongly denied claims that drummer Tony Allen co-created Afrobeat with his father, Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

Fela Taught Tony Allen, Not the Other Way Around,” Femi Kuti Claims

In a video statement, Femi stated that Fela was the sole creator of Afrobeat. He explained that his father not only composed all the music but also developed the unique drum patterns that shaped the genre.

“My father was a multi-instrumentalist and composer. He studied music. He knows every single part of his instrument,” Femi said.
“They said he said, ‘Without Tony Allen, there is no Afrobeat.’ That is the biggest bullsh*t ever said about my father.”

“Fela Taught Tony Allen, Not the Other Way Around” — Femi Kuti

Femi acknowledged Allen’s talent as a drummer. However, he insisted that Fela created the signature rhythms himself and taught them to Allen and others. According to him, Fela’s creative process was intense, private, and allowed no external input.

“When Fela was writing, no one could make any inputs,” Femi explained.
“He would go into a trance. Everyone had to stay quiet and listen to his instructions.”

Femi Challenges Claims That Fela Credited Allen for Afrobeat

Femi questioned why there’s no solid evidence to support the claim that Fela acknowledged Allen as a co-creator. He pointed out that no interviews, recordings, or articles exist to prove it.

“I keep asking, why didn’t Tony Allen tell us which songs he did for Fela?” Femi said.
“He couldn’t. There was no song Fela asked him to create a drum pattern for. It’s impossible.”

Femi continued:

“So I ask those claiming Fela credited Allen for Afrobeat — where’s the proof?
There is none. No article. No recording. No footage. It never happened.”

The Origins of Afrobeat: Debate Continues

Femi’s remarks have reignited a long-standing debate over who truly created Afrobeat. While many recognize Tony Allen for his contributions to the genre’s sound, Femi insists the credit belongs solely to his father. He believes the public must take a closer look at the facts and give proper credit to Fela Kuti’s musical legacy.