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20 Years later, Fela Kuti continues to set new records at the Grammys
Late Nigerian music legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti has posthumously received one of the highest recognitions in global music, as his iconic 1976 album Zombie has been inducted into the prestigious Grammy Hall of Fame the first and only Nigerian album to earn the honor.
Announced by the Recording Academy, which organizes the annual Grammy Awards, the Hall of Fame recognizes recordings that are at least 25 years old and possess “lasting qualitative or historical significance.” Fela’s Zombie, renowned for its fearless criticism of military dictatorship in Nigeria, now joins a revered list of timeless works by artists such as Jay-Z, Santana, and Cat Stevens.
The award was accepted on behalf of the Kuti family by Femi Kuti, Fela’s eldest son, who took to X (formerly Twitter) to express gratitude:
“Our father’s legacy lives on. We are honoured to accept this Grammy Hall of Fame award on behalf of Fela Anikulapo Kuti. His music continues to inspire and unite people across the world.”
Our father’s legacy lives on 🙏🏾💫 We are honoured to accept this Grammy Hall of Fame award on behalf of Fela Anikulapo Kuti. His music continues to inspire & unite people across the world 🌎#Grammy pic.twitter.com/5mq9rNhq0V
— Femi Anikulapo-Kuti (@Femiakuti) June 11, 2025
Originally released in 1976, Zombie is widely regarded as one of Fela’s most provocative albums, using biting satire and energetic Afrobeat rhythms to challenge Nigeria’s military regime. The title track, “Zombie,” became an anthem of resistance but also made Fela a target of government hostility.
Nearly three decades after he died in 1997, Fela Kuti’s influence continues to reverberate worldwide. His pioneering of Afrobeat not only redefined African music but laid the groundwork for generations of artists who now carry his revolutionary message across borders.
With Zombie’s induction, Fela Kuti’s impact is once again solidified on the global stage—an enduring tribute to a fearless voice that still echoes through music, politics, and culture today.