The late Afrobeat pioneer and cultural icon, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, is set to make global music history as the first African musician to be honoured with a Special Merit Lifetime Achievement Award at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards.
This prestigious recognition celebrates Fela’s revolutionary contributions to music, activism, and culture, as well as his enduring influence on generations of artists across Africa and beyond.
Decades after his passing, Fela’s fearless artistry, politically charged lyrics, and innovative sound continue to resonate worldwide, reinforcing his status as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.
Fela to be honoured alongside global music legends
The Recording Academy confirmed that Fela will be celebrated alongside other global music legends, including Whitney Houston, Paul Simon, Cher, and Chaka Khan.
According to the Academy, the award recognises individuals who have made creative contributions of outstanding artistic significance to the field of recording.
In its statement, the Recording Academy described Fela as the “architect of Afrobeat,” acknowledging how his fusion of traditional African rhythms, jazz, funk, and highlife created a powerful new genre that reshaped global music.
The Academy further noted that Fela’s sound and message have inspired countless musicians across continents, influencing genres far beyond Afrobeat and helping to elevate African music on the world stage.
Fela’s groundbreaking 1976 album Zombie was previously inducted into the 2025 Grammy Hall of Fame, further underscoring the lasting impact and relevance of his work decades after its release.
Afrobeat pioneer’s legacy continues to inspire generations
Speaking on the 2025 honorees, Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, described the recipients as an “extraordinary group whose influence spans generations, genres, and the very foundation of modern music.”
Fela’s inclusion in this elite group highlights not only his musical genius but also his role as a fearless social critic who used music as a tool to challenge oppression, corruption, and injustice.
Following the announcement, fans, musicians, and cultural commentators took to social media to celebrate the honour, describing it as a historic milestone for African music and long-overdue global recognition of Fela’s legacy.
Many hailed the award as a symbolic victory for African artists worldwide, affirming that African sounds and stories belong at the highest level of international music recognition.
The Special Merit Lifetime Achievement Award further cements Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s position as a global icon, ensuring that his pioneering work in Afrobeat and his uncompromising spirit will continue to inspire future generations.