Fela Anikulapo-Kuti has been posthumously honoured with the GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award, marking a historic moment for African music and culture. Nearly three decades after his death, the legendary Afrobeat pioneer has become the first African artist to receive the prestigious honour from the Recording Academy, a recognition that underscores his enduring global influence and revolutionary impact on music and activism.
The award was presented at the 2026 GRAMMY Special Merit Awards held in Los Angeles on the eve of the main ceremony. Fela was celebrated alongside other music icons including Whitney Houston, Cher, Chaka Khan, Carlos Santana, and Paul Simon, placing him firmly among the most influential artists in music history. His children, including Femi Kuti, Yeni Kuti, Kunle, and Shalewa, accepted the award on his behalf, honoring a legacy that continues to shape generations of musicians across continents.
Widely regarded as the father of Afrobeat, Fela fused traditional African rhythms with jazz, funk, and highlife, while using his music as a powerful weapon against oppression, corruption, and injustice. During his lifetime, he was openly critical of political systems and global institutions, making the GRAMMY recognition especially symbolic a moment many have described as the establishment finally acknowledging a voice that once stood firmly against it.
The honour has been met with widespread praise across Africa and beyond, with fans, artists, and cultural commentators hailing it as long overdue. It also represents a significant
Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, the legendary Nigerian musician and creator of Afrobeat, has been posthumously honoured with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, marking a historic moment for African music on the global stage. The award was presented at the 2026 Special Merit Awards held in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 31, just ahead of the main Grammy Awards ceremony, recognizing Fela’s enduring influence nearly three decades after his passing.
With this honour, Fela becomes the first African artist ever to receive a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, a milestone that underscores the global impact of his music, activism, and cultural legacy. Known for pioneering Afrobeat, Fela used his sound as a tool for political resistance, social commentary, and African pride, challenging corruption and injustice through fearless lyrics and electrifying performances.
The award was accepted on his behalf by members of his family, including his children Yeni, Kunle, Shalewa, and Femi Kuti, who have all played key roles in preserving and expanding his musical legacy. Femi Kuti, himself an acclaimed artist, has often spoken about his father’s lasting relevance, noting that Fela’s message continues to resonate with new generations across continents.
Fela’s recognition at the Grammys adds to a growing list of posthumous honours celebrating his work, including the induction of his iconic 1976 album Zombie into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Together, these accolades reaffirm his position not just as a Nigerian icon, but as one of the most important musical and political voices of the People.
