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Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti has been awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by Grammy, becoming the first African artist to receive the honour.
The BBC reported on Friday that the Recording Academy organisers will formally recognise the Nigerian music icon at the upcoming Grammy Awards, citing his influence on global music and cultural movements nearly 30 years after his death.
Commenting on the recognition, Fela’s son and fellow Afrobeat artist Seun Kuti said the award showed the deep and lasting connection his father has maintained with audiences over generations, describing the Grammy acknowledgement as symbolic for Fela’s legacy.
“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 BBC also noted that the honour comes at a time of rising international interest in African music, driven largely by the worldwide popularity of Afrobeats, a genre that draws heavily from Fela’s original Afrobeat sound.
Fela’s inclusion places him alongside some of the most influential figures in music history. Previous Lifetime Achievement Award recipients include Bing Crosby, while this year’s honourees also feature Carlos Santana, Chaka Khan, and Paul Simon.
Members of Fela’s family, friends and long-time collaborators are expected to attend the ceremony to receive the award on his behalf.
