Fela Anikulapo-Kuti to Receive Posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award at 67th Grammys

The late Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti will be posthumously honored with a Special Merit Lifetime Achievement Award at the 67th Grammy Awards, making him the first African musician to receive this prestigious recognition.

Fela will join an elite group of global music icons including Whitney Houston, Paul Simon, Cher, and Chaka Khan, all of whom will also be celebrated for their lasting contributions to music.

In a statement, Harvey Mason Jr, CEO of the Recording Academy, described the honorees as “an extraordinary group whose influence spans generations, genres, and the very foundation of modern music.” The Academy recognized Fela as the “architect of Afrobeat,” emphasizing his transformative role in shaping the genre and inspiring countless artists worldwide.

This is not the first time the Recording Academy has acknowledged Fela’s impact; his landmark 1976 album Zombie was inducted into the 2025 Grammy Hall of Fame, further cementing his legacy.

Opinion: A Long-Awaited Recognition for Afrobeat’s Pioneer

Fela’s recognition by the Grammys is more than symbolic—it is a global validation of Afrobeat as a genre that has not only entertained but also educated and inspired social change. His music, deeply rooted in political activism and cultural expression, has influenced artists across Africa and the diaspora.

This honor also highlights the growing acknowledgment of African music on the global stage, a trend long overdue. For fans and musicians alike, Fela’s Lifetime Achievement Award serves as a reminder of the enduring power of artistry that challenges norms, uplifts communities, and transcends borders.

Indeed, this is a moment to celebrate not only Fela’s genius but the global rise of African music—a legacy that will continue to resonate for generations.