-
Fela Anikulapo-Kuti Becomes First African to Win Special Lifetime Achievement Award Grammy Merit
Legendary Nigerian musician and fearless political activist Fela Anikulapo-Kuti has been posthumously honoured with a major global recognition, making history as the first African recipient of the Special Merit Lifetime Achievement Award at the 67th Grammy Awards.
The announcement was made by Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr., who revealed that the late Afrobeat pioneer is being celebrated for his groundbreaking role as the architect of Afrobeats, a genre that has grown into a global cultural force decades after its creation.
Fela’s inclusion places him in elite company. He will receive the honour alongside internationally acclaimed music icons such as Whitney Houston, Paul Simon, Cher, and Chaka Khan, underscoring the global impact of his work and legacy.
Fela Kuti, the Afrobeat pioneer, becomes the first African musician to get a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. As they say, delay is not denial.
Congratulations to the Kuti family 💙.
PS: WE win in poetry, literature, music, academia, sports, politics. WE will continue to win! pic.twitter.com/DNrmXv7qCv
— Dr Dípò Awójídé (@OgbeniDipo) December 20, 2025
Speaking on the significance of the awardees, Mason described them as a rare and influential class of creatives whose contributions reshaped music history.
“An extraordinary group whose influence spans generations, genres, and the very foundation of modern music,” he stated.
Fela’s recognition by the Grammys is widely seen as long overdue. Beyond his musical genius, he was known for using Afrobeat as a weapon of resistance challenging corruption, military rule, and social injustice in Nigeria through fearless lyrics and activism.
His influence continues to echo strongly in today’s music landscape, particularly with the global rise of modern Afrobeats stars who often cite him as a foundational inspiration.
With this honour, the Recording Academy not only celebrates Fela’s artistry but also formally acknowledges Africa’s enduring contribution to shaping global music culture.
View this post on Instagram