Story Highlights
On January 20, 2026, Nigerian music producer Samklef ignited a fierce debate on social media by asserting that Orlando Julius Ekemode is the true creator of Afrobeat. Writing on X, Samklef alleged that Fela Kuti “stole” the genre’s style and learned to play the saxophone from Julius, citing a lack of historical documentation for the misconception.
The legacy of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti has come under intense scrutiny this week. Following a series of online debates regarding the hierarchy of Nigerian music legends, producer Samklef has introduced a controversial new angle to the conversation. On January 20, 2026, the producer took to X (formerly Twitter) to dismantle the widely accepted history of the genre, boldly declaring that Fela Kuti was not the originator of Afrobeat.
Samklef claims the credit belongs entirely to the late highlife and Afrobeat veteran, Orlando Julius Ekemode. According to the producer, Fela merely adopted the style that Julius had already perfected. The tweets, which quickly went viral, accused the Kalakuta Republic founder of failing to acknowledge Julius during his lifetime. This assertion challenges decades of musical history that position Fela as the singular architect of the genre.
The sax instructor allegation
The controversy began when social media influencer Basito tweeted a comparison between Fela Kuti and King Sunny Ade, suggesting Fela could not match Ade’s musical achievements. Seizing the moment, Samklef quoted the post to offer what he termed “facts” about the genre’s origins.
He stated that beyond just the genre itself, Fela Kuti relied on Orlando Julius for technical guidance. “Fela stole Orlando Julius Ekemode style, the original Afrobeat founder,” Samklef wrote. The producer went a step further, alleging that Julius actually taught Fela how to play the saxophone.
This specific detail adds a personal dimension to the rivalry Samklef is painting. By suggesting a student-teacher dynamic where the student took the glory, the producer is attempting to rewrite the foundational myths of Nigerian music. The timing of this outburst is notable, as the Kuti family legacy has faced multiple attacks recently on social media.
Just days prior, tensions flared within the industry regarding the respect accorded to the Kuti name. The atmosphere has been charged since Wizkid claims he is bigger than Fela Kuti in explosive reply to Seun, a statement that already had fans debating the relevance of the Afrobeat pioneer in the modern era. Samklef’s comments appear to pour more fuel on this raging fire.
A call for proper documentation
Samklef justified his outburst by pointing to a systemic failure in how Nigerian history is recorded. He argued that the “problem with Nigeria generally” is a lack of proper documentation, which has allowed false narratives to thrive unchecked. “I go start to dey teach una history,” he promised his followers, positioning himself as a corrective force in the culture.
The producer shared vintage images of Orlando Julius performing, urging the public to recognize the man he calls the “original founder.” Julius, a highly respected multi-instrumentalist who passed away in 2022, was indeed a crucial figure in the fusion of highlife and American soul music in the 1960s. However, historians have traditionally viewed his work as parallel to, rather than the sole source of, Fela’s Afrobeat invention.
Critics and music enthusiasts have reacted sharply to Samklef’s revisionist history. While many acknowledge Orlando Julius’s immense contribution, the direct accusation of theft against Fela is being viewed by some as an attempt to chase clout. The online space is currently volatile, with various figures weighing in on the Kuti legacy.
Earlier this week, another commentator weighed in on the ongoing disrespect toward the Kuti family, noting that Daniel Regha blasts Seun Kuti and Wizkid for disrespecting Felas legacy. It seems the industry is currently undergoing a stress test regarding its reverence for past icons, with Samklef leading the charge to deconstruct Fela’s status.
Whether Samklef possesses concrete evidence to back the claim that Julius taught Fela the saxophone remains to be seen. For now, he has successfully shifted the spotlight onto Orlando Julius, forcing a new generation of music fans to research the late veteran’s discography and his place in the pantheon of African music.
