Fela Kuti Becomes First African to Receive Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
Fela Kuti, the renowned Nigerian musician, will be honored posthumously this weekend at the Grammy Awards. This recognition makes him the first African artist to receive the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. The ceremony will take place in Los Angeles on Saturday, a day before the main Grammy gala. Kuti’s influential contributions to global music are widely acknowledged nearly three decades after his passing.
A Legacy of Afrobeat
In the 1970s, Fela Kuti created afrobeat, a genre combining jazz, funk, and traditional African rhythms. His work laid the foundation for afrobeats, which has gained worldwide popularity by fusing traditional African sounds with contemporary pop. This genre has its roots in Nigeria and continues to thrive.
Recognition at the Grammy Awards
- Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award to be presented to Fela Kuti.
- Other honorees include Cher, Whitney Houston, Carlos Santana, Paul Simon, and Chaka Khan.
The Grammy Awards introduced the Best African Performance category two years ago, and it has been predominantly represented by Nigerian afrobeats artists. This year, three of the five nominees for Best African Performance are Nigerian singers, following Tems’ win in 2025.
Influence and Legacy
The impact of Fela Kuti extends across generations, inspiring major artists like Beyoncé, Paul McCartney, and Thom Yorke. Known as the “Black President,” Kuti used his music to challenge the political landscape of Nigeria. He faced numerous arrests throughout his career, often due to his outspoken activism against corruption and government oppression.
Continued Impact and Family Legacy
Fela Kuti passed away in 1997 at the age of 58. His legacy continues through his sons, Femi Kuti and Seun Kuti, as well as his grandson, Made. Yemisi Ransome-Kuti, Fela’s cousin, stated that the Grammy Award is a celebration for the African people and an important acknowledgment of Kuti’s contributions.
She emphasized the need for recognition to occur while artists are still alive. Rikki Stein, Fela’s manager, expressed optimism that this honor would refresh interest in Kuti’s music. He noted that a growing number of people who were born after Kuti’s death are now discovering his work and the messages it conveys.
