Fela Kuti Receives Posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

Mon Feb 02 2026 15:35:45 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The legendary Nigerian musician Fela Kuti is honored as the first African recipient of the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his lasting impact on music and culture.

Fela Kuti, the iconic figure of Afrobeat, has been posthumously awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, becoming the first African to receive this honor. This recognition comes nearly 30 years after his passing, highlighting his enduring influence on global music and social issues. His son, Seun Kuti, expressed pride in the award, noting that it symbolizes a victory for Fela's story. The announcement also reflects a growing appreciation for African music within the Grammy community, especially following the emergence of genres like Afrobeats.

Fela Kuti Receives Posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

The late Fela Kuti, often referred to as the king of Afrobeat, is being recognized by the global music community with a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award from the Grammys. This honor comes nearly three decades after his death at the age of 58.

His son, Seun Kuti, celebrated the award, stating, Fela has been in the hearts of the people for such a long time. Now the Grammys have acknowledged it, and it's a double victory. He added that this recognition brings a sense of balance to Fela's narrative.

Long-time friend and manager Rikki Stein described the award as better late than never, emphasizing the importance of recognizing African contributions to music. Stein noted that there’s been a growing interest in African music by the Grammys, especially as the global popularity of Afrobeats rises.

The Grammy Awards introduced the category of Best African Performance in 2024, further highlighting their commitment to acknowledging African talent. Notably, Nigerian artist Burna Boy also received a nomination in this year's Best Global Music Album category.

Fela Kuti will be the first African to receive the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, which was established in 1963. Other notable musicians receiving the award this year include Carlos Santana and Chaka Khan.

Fela's family will attend the Grammy ceremony to accept the award, with Seun stating, The global human tapestry needs this, not just because it's my father. Fela Kuti is celebrated not only for his groundbreaking music that blended various genres but also for his role as a political activist, standing against social injustices and government corruption throughout his career.

Known for his powerful performances and musical innovations, Fela's legacy continues to resonate, making a mark on contemporary musicians and influencing a new generation of artists.