Nigeria’s legendary musician and activist, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, has received one of global music’s highest honours, as the Recording Academy of the United States bestowed on him a Lifetime Achievement Award, making him the first African recipient, albeit posthumously.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced and celebrated the recognition in a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, describing Fela as far more than a musician, but a revolutionary force whose influence transcended music, politics, and generations.
“Fela was a fearless voice of the people, a philosopher of freedom, and a revolutionary force whose music confronted injustice and reshaped global sound,” Tinubu said, noting that the Afrobeat pioneer’s courage, creativity, and conviction continue to inspire audiences around the world.
The President described the award as a powerful affirmation of Fela’s enduring global influence and his foundational role in shaping modern music, particularly Africa’s contribution to contemporary global sounds. He noted that Fela not only created Afrobeat but also laid the groundwork for the global rise of Afrobeats, with his influence evident across generations of Nigerian and international artists.
Drawing from cultural symbolism, Tinubu referenced Yoruba mythology, describing Fela as having transcended into the realm of the Orisa, signifying immortality and eternal relevance. “He is now eternal,” the President stated.
Born in 1938, Fela Anikulapo Kuti was renowned for using his music as a tool of resistance against oppression, corruption, and military rule in Nigeria. His fearless criticism of authority, coupled with his innovative sound, earned him both global acclaim and repeated persecution during his lifetime.
The Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award is reserved for artists whose creative contributions have significantly shaped the field of recording. Fela’s inclusion places him among the most influential figures in world music history.
As tributes continue to pour in from across the globe, the honour reinforces Fela Kuti’s status not just as a Nigerian icon, but as a permanent pillar of global cultural and musical heritage.
Fela lives.