Late Nigerian music icon Fela Anikulapo Kuti has been posthumously honoured by the Recording Academy, becoming the first African artist to receive the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. The recognition celebrates his lasting impact on global music and his role as the creator of the Afrobeat genre.
The Recording Academy announced that Fela Kuti is among the distinguished recipients selected for the Special Merit Awards, which recognise artists whose creative contributions have significantly shaped the history of recorded music. The award will be presented ahead of the main Grammy Awards ceremony.
Although Fela Kuti did not win a Grammy during his lifetime, his influence has remained powerful decades after his passing. His music continues to inspire artists across continents, blending African rhythms with jazz, funk and politically charged messages that challenged authority and addressed social injustice.
Fela Kuti’s body of work has gained renewed global recognition in recent years, with several of his albums and compositions celebrated for their cultural and historical importance. His fearless approach to music and activism helped position Afrobeat as a global sound and paved the way for African music on the international stage.
The Lifetime Achievement Award places Fela Kuti among a select group of legendary musicians whose work has left a permanent mark on the music industry. His recognition marks a significant milestone for African artists and reinforces his legacy as one of the most influential musicians of all time.
