Fela to Become First African Recipient of Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
The Recording Academy has announced that late Nigerian music icon Fela Anikulapo-Kuti will be posthumously honoured with a Special Merit Lifetime Achievement Award at the 67th Grammy Awards, marking a historic first for an African artist.
Fela, widely regarded as the creator and global torchbearer of Afrobeat, will be celebrated alongside a group of renowned international musicians, including Whitney Houston, Paul Simon, Cher and Chaka Khan.
In a statement announcing the honourees, Recording Academy chief executive Harvey Mason Jr described them as “an extraordinary group whose influence spans generations, genres, and the very foundation of modern music.”
The Academy credited Fela as the “architect of Afrobeat,” acknowledging his pioneering role in shaping the genre and his lasting influence on musicians across continents and generations. Beyond music, Fela was also known for using his art as a vehicle for political expression and social commentary, making his work both culturally and historically significant.
The Lifetime Achievement Award adds to a growing list of Grammy recognitions for the Afrobeat legend. Earlier this year, his seminal 1976 album Zombie was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, further cementing his legacy within global music history.
Fela’s posthumous recognition is being widely hailed as a landmark moment for African music, reflecting the continent’s growing influence and long-standing contributions to the global soundscape.
