Legendary Nigerian musician and Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti is set to make history as the first African artist to receive a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, nearly three decades after his death.
The Recording Academy announced that the late King of Afrobeat will be honoured at the 2026 Grammy Awards, marking a landmark moment for African music and its global recognition. The award will be presented at the Special Merit Awards Ceremony on Saturday, January 31, at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles, one day before the main Grammy ceremony.
Fela’s recognition carries deep symbolism. During his lifetime, the outspoken musician was fiercely critical of Western political power, global institutions, and systems he believed oppressed Africa. Despite his enormous influence on world music, formal recognition from major Western institutions largely eluded him while he was alive.
Reacting to the announcement, Fela’s son and fellow musician Seun Kuti described the honour as long overdue.
“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 said, adding that the award helps bring balance to his father’s legacy.
Longtime friend and former manager Rikki Stein echoed that sentiment, calling the recognition better late than never. He noted that African music was historically overlooked by global institutions, but said attitudes appear to be changing.
Fela’s influence is undeniable. His revolutionary Afrobeat sound laid the foundation for today’s global Afrobeats movement, which has seen massive international success. In recognition of this growing influence, the Grammys introduced the Best African Music Performance category in 2024. Nigerian superstar Burna Boy is also nominated this year in the Best Global Music Album category.
While several global icons will receive Lifetime Achievement Awards this year, including Carlos Santana, Chaka Khan, and Paul Simon, Fela’s honour stands out as a historic first for Africa. The Lifetime Achievement Award was first introduced in 1963, with Bing Crosby among its earliest recipients.
Members of Fela Kuti’s family, along with close friends and collaborators, are expected to attend the ceremony to receive the award on his behalf.
Decades after his passing, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s voice, music, and message continue to resonate and with this recognition, his legacy is now firmly etched into the highest halls of global music history.
