Nigerian music legend Fela Kuti was posthumously awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award on Saturday, becoming the first African artist to receive the prestigious accolade for his groundbreaking contributions to global music and social activism.
The honour, bestowed at the Recording Academy’s Special Merit Awards ceremony in Los Angeles ahead of the 68th Grammy Awards, celebrates Kuti’s role as the architect of Afrobeat and his unflinching critique of oppression through his art.
Kuti’s children—Femi, Yeni and Kunle—accepted the award on behalf of the family, surrounded by supporters and industry luminaries.
In his acceptance speech, Femi Kuti said: “Thank you for bringing our father here. It’s so important for us, it’s so important for Africa, it’s so important for world peace and the struggle.”
Yeni Kuti expressed mixed emotions: “The family is happy about it. And we’re excited that he’s finally being recognised,” but noted it was “better late than never,” adding there remained “a way to go” in acknowledging African artists globally.
Seun Kuti, another son, hailed the recognition: “Fela has been in the hearts of the people for such a long time. Now the Grammys have acknowledged it, and it’s a double victory. It’s bringing balance to a Fela story. The global human tapestry needs this, not just because it’s my father.”
The presenter described Kuti as a “producer, arranger, political radical, outlaw and the father of Afrobeat,” highlighting his vast catalogue, the Broadway musical inspired by his life, and ongoing cultural tributes.
“The honour is all ours to present the Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award to Fela Kuti,” the presenter added.
Kuti, who passed away in 1997 at age 58, released over 50 albums blending West African rhythms with jazz, funk and soul, using his platform to denounce military rule, corruption and imperialism in Nigeria.
This award follows the 2025 induction of his seminal 1977 album “Zombie” into the Grammy Hall of Fame and comes amid the Academy’s expanding focus on African music, including a new category for Best African Music Performance introduced in 2024.
Fellow honourees included Chaka Khan, Cher, Carlos Santana, Paul Simon and a posthumous nod for Whitney Houston.
Kuti’s influence endures, inspiring contemporary stars like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Kendrick Lamar and Beyoncé, while his Lagos-based Afrika Shrine remains a hub for Afrobeat performances.
