Nigerian producer extraordinaire, Sarz, has become the latest voice to sing the praises of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, highlighting his enduring influence on contemporary artists like Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Rema. In a recent interview with ARZ, Sarz not only acknowledged Fela’s impact but also revealed his own artistic engagement with the icon’s vast musical tapestry.
“Recently, I listened to Fela’s catalog and I just find things I can sample or flip,” Sarz shared, revealing a personal connection to the Afrobeat pioneer’s work. He went on to emphasize Fela’s broader influence on the current Afrobeats landscape, stating, “Even in modern Afrobeats, you can tell his influence on a lot of us, from Burna Boy to Wizkid to Rema, and to the generation even coming. I’m sure they will still be inspired by the legend.”
This isn’t just hyperbole. Fela’s infectious grooves, political lyrics, and unapologetic individuality laid the groundwork for the global Afrobeats movement. His pioneering spirit, blending traditional Yoruba rhythms with funk, jazz, and other genres, continues to inspire artists like Burna Boy, whose fiery Afrobeats carry Fela’s torch of social commentary and genre-bending experimentation.
Sarz’s own work further exemplifies this lineage. His production credits on Burna Boy’s “African Giant” and Wizkid’s “Made in Lagos” are due to his ability to channel Fela’s spirit into contemporary contexts. His sampling and reinterpretations of Fela’s music keep the legend’s legacy alive, ensuring it continues to inform and inspire new generations of artists.
