FELA KUTI MAKES HISTORY AS FIRST AFRICAN TO RECEIVE GRAMMY LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti has made history by becoming the first African to receive a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
The music legend will be honoured at the 2026 Grammy Awards, nearly 30 years after his death at the age of 58. He will receive a Special Merit award alongside global stars Whitney Houston, Cher, Chaka Khan and Paul Simon.
The Recording Academy said the honour recognises Fela’s lasting impact on global music. Widely credited as the creator of Afrobeat, Fela fused African rhythms with jazz, funk and highlife, using his music as a powerful tool to challenge corruption, injustice and military rule in Nigeria.
Born in 1938, Fela was more than a musician. He was a fearless activist whose outspoken views led to repeated clashes with authorities. Despite arrests and harassment, his influence spread far beyond Africa, shaping modern music and culture worldwide.
The award will be presented at the Recording Academy’s Special Merit Awards ceremony on 31 January 2026, during Grammy Week, one day before the main awards night.
Industry figures including music executive Dayo Adeleye and artiste Spyda Man have welcomed the recognition, calling it long overdue and a major moment for African music.
Meanwhile, Nigerian artists continue to shine on the global stage. Burna Boy is nominated for Best African Music Performance for Love and Best Global Music Album for No Sign of Weakness. Davido has earned a nomination for With You featuring Omah Lay, while Ayra Starr and Wizkid are also nominated for Gimme Dat.
The recognition of Fela, alongside fresh nominations for today’s stars, underlines the growing global power of African music.
