Fela Kuti to Receive Posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

Fela Kuti to Receive Posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

Legendary Nigerian musician Fela Kuti will be honoured posthumously with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Recording Academy, making him the first African artist to receive the prestigious recognition.

Fela Kuti

The award comes nearly three decades after the Afrobeat legend’s death and highlights the lasting global impact of his music and activism. The honour will be presented at a ceremony in Los Angeles on Saturday, ahead of the main Grammy Awards ceremony.

Other iconic artists set to receive the same honour include Cher, Whitney Houston, Carlos Santana, Paul Simon, and Chaka Khan.

During the 1970s, Fela—known for his powerful stage presence and multi-instrumental talent—created Afrobeat, a revolutionary genre that blended jazz, funk and traditional African rhythms. The style later inspired modern Afrobeats, a sound that merges African rhythms with contemporary pop influences and has since achieved global popularity.

Fela Kuti

In recent years, the Grammys have increasingly recognised African music. In 2024, the Recording Academy introduced the Best African Music Performance category, with Nigerian artists dominating nominations. Three of the five nominees this year are Nigerians, following the win by Tems in the category last year.

According to the Grammys, Fela’s influence spans generations and has inspired global stars such as Beyoncé, Paul McCartney, and Thom Yorke, while also shaping the direction of modern Nigerian Afrobeats.

Often called the “Black President,” Fela died in 1997 at the age of 58. However, his legacy continues through his sons, Femi Kuti and Seun Kuti, as well as his grandson, Made Kuti.

Reacting to the announcement, Made Kuti described the recognition as a meaningful moment for the family.

“This acknowledgment coming at this time when all three of us are present feels wonderful,” he told AFP. “It’s great that we are still practicing Afrobeat and carrying the legacy as far as we can.”

Meanwhile, Yemisi Ransome-Kuti, Fela’s first cousin and head of the family, said the award represents a broader celebration for Africans.

“This is a celebration for the African people. Another African is being recognised,” she said, while also noting that artists should ideally receive such honours during their lifetime.

Throughout his career, Fela remained a strong critic of political injustice and corruption in Nigeria. His outspoken activism frequently put him at odds with military governments, leading to several arrests over allegations he consistently denied. His music became known for its extended compositions, bold lyrics and unflinching political commentary.