The two Nigerian musicians are from different eras, but they have influenced many people with their socially conscious music
Super Eagles vice-captain William Troost-Ekong has praised Burna Boy and Fela Anikulapo Kuti, saying the two musicians inspire him a lot.
Ekong said this when asked to name the black figures that inspired him in a special black history month interview on Watford’s Youtube page.
Fela is widely regarded as the father of Afrobeats, while Burna Boy is seen as a modern great.
However, both are also known for their strong messages in their music, particularly Fela, who was not just a musician but also an activist.
Ekong revealed he is a big fan of the late Afrobeats legend, saying he even had his face tattooed on his arm.
“I love his music, Ekong said in an interview on Watford’s Youtube page. I actually got his face tattooed on my hand.
“So I am a big fan of his music. Some of this music I grew up with.”
“And he is the probably say Afrobeats pioneer. I think everyone knows what Afrobeats is nowadays, but many years ago, he was the first one to really combine Yoruba music with Calypso with all these different kinds of music. ”
Ekong admitted that Fela divided opinions but was a man that fought for the people, especially the minority.
“Yea, he was, of course, a bit two-sided because he got himself in trouble, but I think he’s a real man of the people.”
“So I think everybody respects what he stood for. He was there for the underdogs and fought for the people.”
“So he is definitely a name that is massive in Nigeria, maybe the Bob Marley of Nigerian music.”
The Super Eagles star also had high praises for Burna Boy, saying he grew up listening to the Grammy Award winner because his music inspires him.
“Burna Boy, obviously being more recent history, he’s very hot right now with his music,” Ekong said.
“Yeah, someone that I grew up listening to in most recent years. Someone that I listen to probably on a daily basis if it is driving to training or before a game.
Burna Boy and Fela share many similarities, and it is not surprising, given the Grammy-award winner sites the late legend as his musical influence.
They have both used their voices to speak out against the Government, and Ekong believes Burna Boy can be called a modern-day Fela.
“I think his music inspires me as well. I think he’s maybe like a modern-day Fela because he also has very strong messages in his music.”
“Yeah, I love what he stands for. So yeah, he is a great musician.”
“I think everybody knows who Burna Boy is now because he has gone mainstream, but even before that, he’s someone that I love to listen to, and I’m sure I will continue to listen to for the rest of my life”, he added.
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View Comments
Nobody will ever comes close to Bob Marley!
His songs were about love, peace and political struggle. How anyone can ever be compared to this legend is just not listening to his words of truth.
It's an insult!
I think comparing this guy's to legent is a sign of disrespect cos this boys can not stand what this great ones stood for.sotherefor let be guilded
No comparison !!! Bob is in a category all by him self .Cant match dat!!!
Bob Marley and Fela Kuti can be rightfully compared as two equal legends !
I think both Fela and Bob Marley had a lot in common. They were both great voices for social emancipation. If Marley had lived long enough, I am almost certain both artistes would have worked together on a project.
They are both children of his Majesty doi g there works Godly work no comparable. Give thank for there massages
How soon people forget that Fela was initially tagged Bob Marley of Africa. But time and space proved that It wasn't Fela Anikulapo Kuti that was the Bob Marley of Africa.......... Rather, the great Robert Nesta Marley was actually the Fela Anikulapo of Jamaica.
You can only try to compare Bob to Fela bcos you never witnessed our struggles until Fela died.
Bob did well for himself but Fela couldn't & will never be touched....
Burna Boy as the name implies, is but a little boy when compare to great legends like Fela and Marley whose messages inspires and more relevant even to this generation