The world of music has formally honoured a true giant — Fela Anikulapo Kuti.
Fela was far more than a musician. He was a fearless voice of the people, a philosopher of freedom, and a revolutionary force whose sound confronted injustice, challenged power, and reshaped global music. His courage, creativity, and conviction defined a generation and continue to inspire the world. In the language of Yoruba mythology, he has transcended to a higher plane — an Orisa. He is eternal.
In a historic milestone, Fela Kuti has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy, becoming the first African to be so honoured, albeit posthumously. The award affirms his enduring global influence and the foundational role he played in shaping modern music and projecting Africa’s creative power to the world.
As the creator of Afrobeat, Fela’s influence remains unmistakable — echoed across generations of Nigerian artists and deeply embedded in Afrobeats and global contemporary music.
Fela lives.
— Asiwaju President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President, Federal Republic of Nigeria
