The late Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, has been posthumously honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Recording Academy of America, becoming the first African to receive the prestigious recognition.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, described the award as a validation of Fela’s enduring global relevance and the transformative power of his music.
“Fela Anikulapo Kuti was more than a musician, he was a fearless voice of the people, a philosopher of freedom, and a revolutionary force whose music confronted injustice and reshaped global sound,” the President said.
He noted that Fela’s courage, creativity and conviction defined a generation and continue to inspire musicians and social movements across the world. According to the President, Fela’s influence remains evident in contemporary Nigerian music and across the global Afrobeats movement.
Tinubu also highlighted the cultural depth of Fela’s legacy, stating that in Yoruba mythology, the Afrobeat pioneer has transcended to a higher spiritual plane as an Orisa, making his impact eternal.
“Though this honour comes posthumously, it affirms Fela’s enduring global influence and the foundational role he played in projecting Africa’s voice and identity through modern music,” he added.
The Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award recognises artists who have made outstanding contributions of artistic significance to the recording field. Fela Kuti’s recognition underscores Africa’s growing imprint on global music history.
“Fela lives,” the President declared.