President Tinubu Celebrates Fela Kuti’s Historic Posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Says “Fela Lives

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hailed Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti as an eternal icon following his groundbreaking posthumous recognition with the Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Grammys, making him the first African artist to receive this prestigious honour.

In a statement titled “Fela Lives: President Tinubu on Fela’s Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award,” released from the State House, President Tinubu described Fela as far more than a musician.

He portrayed the late legend as a fearless voice of the people, a philosopher of freedom, and a revolutionary force whose music boldly confronted injustice while reshaping global sounds through the creation and popularisation of Afrobeat.

The President emphasised that Fela’s courage, creativity, and conviction defined an entire generation and continue to inspire audiences worldwide. Drawing on Yoruba mythology, he noted that Fela has transcended to a higher plane as an Orisa, rendering him eternal.

President Tinubu highlighted the significance of the award, presented during the Special Merit Awards Ceremony in Los Angeles on Saturday, on the eve of the main Grammy gala.

He described it as a trailblazing moment for Africa, affirming Fela’s enduring global influence and his foundational role in elevating the continent’s impact on modern music. Fela defined Afrobeat, and his legacy echoes clearly in successive generations of Nigerian musicians as well as in the contemporary Afrobeats movement and beyond.

The statement concluded with a powerful affirmation: “Fela lives.”

Fela Anikulapo Kuti, who passed away in 1997 at age 58, blended jazz, funk, highlife, and traditional African rhythms with politically charged lyrics that challenged authority and championed social justice.

His influence has long extended beyond Nigeria, inspiring artists across continents and contributing to the global rise of African-rooted genres.

This recognition arrives amid growing international acclaim for African music, following milestones such as the introduction of the Best African Performance category at the Grammys and the 2025 induction of Fela’s seminal album “Zombie” into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Family members, including sons Femi and Seun Kuti, accepted the award on his behalf, with many describing it as a long-overdue but deeply meaningful tribute.

President Tinubu’s tribute underscores national pride in Fela’s achievement and reinforces the cultural significance of this historic Grammy milestone for Nigeria and

the African continent.