Legendary Nigerian musician Fela Anikulapo-Kuti has made history as the first African artist to receive the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, a major milestone for African music. The honour is being awarded posthumously by the Recording Academy.
Fela was the fearless creator of Afrobeat, a revolutionary sound that fused jazz, funk and African rhythms with bold political messages. His music challenged power, exposed corruption and gave a voice to the oppressed.
Despite his massive global influence, Fela never won a Grammy while alive. This recognition now places him alongside the world’s greatest music icons, decades after his passing.
Beyond the award, the moment signals a bigger shift—African music is finally being fully recognised on the world’s biggest stages. Fela’s legacy lives on, loud, rebellious and impossible to ignore.
Fela Kuti Finally Gets His Flowers at the Grammys
Legendary Nigerian musician Fela Anikulapo-Kuti has made history as the first African artist to receive the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, a major milestone for African music. ...
By editor·April 8, 2026·2 min read
68


More in entertainment
entertainmenteditor
Nicolas Cage Claims He May Remember Being in His Mother’s Womb
Hollywood actor Nicolas Cage once made a bizarre claim about what he believes could be his earliest memory — saying he s…
47 1
entertainmenteditor
Beyoncé Becomes Richest Black Female Music Artist, Surpasses US$1 Billion Net Worth
Beyoncé has cemented her place as the world's richest Black female music artist, with her net worth surpassing the US$1…
109 1
entertainmenteditor
21 Savage reveals desire to have another baby with Latto
Rapper 21 Savage has revealed that he would like to have another child with fellow hip-hop star Latto. The British-born…
3071 1


