Fela Kuti set to become first African to receive Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

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The late Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti is set to make history as the first African musician to be honoured with a Special Merit Lifetime Achievement Award at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards.

The recognition celebrates Fela’s groundbreaking contributions to music and his lasting influence on generations of artists worldwide.

Fela to be honoured alongside global music legends

The announcement confirms that Fela will be celebrated alongside other music legends, including Whitney Houston, Paul Simon, Cher, and Chaka Khan.

The Recording Academy highlighted his role as the “architect of Afrobeat,” noting how his unique sound transformed the genre and inspired countless musicians across continents.

Fela’s 1976 album Zombie was previously inducted into the 2025 Grammy Hall of Fame, reflecting his enduring legacy.

Afrobeat pioneer’s legacy continues to inspire generations

According to Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, this year’s honorees represent an “extraordinary group whose influence spans generations, genres, and the very foundation of modern music.”

Fans and music enthusiasts have taken to social media to celebrate the announcement, hailing the posthumous recognition as a milestone not just for Fela, but for African music as a whole.

The award cements Fela’s position as a global icon, ensuring that his pioneering work in Afrobeat continues to receive international acclaim.