Popular Nigerian music producer Samuel Oguachuba, widely known as Samkleff, has challenged the long-held belief that Afrobeat was created by late music icon Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
The Molowo hitmaker claimed that Fela did not originate Afrobeat but took the idea and style from another veteran musician, Orlando Julius Ekemode.
Samkleff made the allegation while reacting to the ongoing feud involving Wizkid and members of Fela’s family. According to him, Orlando Julius played a major role in shaping what later became known as Afrobeat.
He further alleged that Orlando Julius not only influenced the genre but also taught Fela how to play musical instruments, including the saxophone.
Sharing a photo of Orlando Julius on his X (formerly Twitter) page, Samkleff wrote, “This is the man that created Afrobeat! His name is Orlando Julius Ekemode. Fela stole his style.”
He added, “Fela stole Orlando Julius Ekemode, the original Afrobeat founder’s style. He also taught Fela how to play sax.”
Samkleff blamed the controversy on poor historical records in Nigeria, saying many people lack accurate knowledge of the country’s musical history.
“The problem with Nigeria is that we lack proper documentation,” he said. “I will start teaching you people history.”
