Tinubu Hails Fela Kuti’s Grammy

Achievement Award Tinubu Hails Fela Kuti’s Grammy Lifetime Achievement
Abuja, Nigeria (Feb 1, 2026) President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lauded the late Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti following his posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, calling the recognition a fitting tribute to the musician’s global cultural impact.
In a personal statement issued on Sunday, President Tinubu described Fela as “more than a musician” a fearless voice of the people, courageous philosopher, and revolutionary force whose art confronted injustice and reshaped global music.
Fela Kuti received the Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Grammy Special Merit Awards ceremony in Los Angeles on January 31.
He became the first African artist to be honoured with this distinction, which celebrates performers who have made outstanding and lasting contributions to recorded music
The award was accepted by his children Femi, Yeni, and Kunle Kuti amid attendance from family and global music figures.
President Tinubu said the Grammy accolade “affirms Fela’s enduring global influence and the foundational role he has played in the evolution and impact of African music on the world stage.”
In his statement, Tinubu emphasised Fela’s influence well beyond entertainment portraying him as a cultural philosopher and voice of resistance whose work challenged oppression and inspired generations. He also invoked Yoruba spiritual imagery, saying Fela has “transcended to a higher plane as an Orisa” and declaring that “Fela lives.” Fela’s music, which he pioneered beginning in the late 1960s by fusing traditional West African rhythms with jazz, funk and political lyrics, has long influenced artists across continents and genres from Nigerian stars to global performers.
By recognising him with one of music’s highest honours, the Recording Academy has spotlighted Africa’s foundational role in shaping modern global music culture, according to commentators.
While the presidency’s tribute was overwhelmingly celebratory, reactions have varied across the public sphere. Some cultural commentators and activists have used the occasion to critique political motives behind the praise, arguing that Fela’s radical spirit often stood in opposition to political authority.
Historic milestone: First African musician to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammys.
Recognition of influence: The award highlights Fela’s lasting impact on music and social consciousness globally.
Cultural resonance: Fela’s body of work inspired new musical movements including contemporary Afrobeats and shaped global appreciation of African music.

Abuja, Nigeria (Feb 1, 2026) President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lauded the late Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti following his posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, calling the recognition a fitting tribute to the musician’s global cultural impact.
In a personal statement issued on Sunday, President Tinubu described Fela as “more than a musician” a fearless voice of the people, courageous philosopher, and revolutionary force whose art confronted injustice and reshaped global music.
Fela Kuti received the Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Grammy Special Merit Awards ceremony in Los Angeles on January 31.
He became the first African artist to be honoured with this distinction, which celebrates performers who have made outstanding and lasting contributions to recorded music.
The award was accepted by his children Femi, Yeni, and Kunle Kuti amid attendance from family and global music figures.
President Tinubu said the Grammy accolade “affirms Fela’s enduring global influence and the foundational role he has played in the evolution and impact of African music on the world stage.”
In his statement, Tinubu emphasised Fela’s influence well beyond entertainment portraying him as a cultural philosopher and voice of resistance whose work challenged oppression and inspired generations. He also invoked Yoruba spiritual imagery, saying Fela has “transcended to a higher plane as an Orisa” and declaring that “Fela lives.” Fela’s music, which he pioneered beginning in the late 1960s by fusing traditional West African rhythms with jazz, funk and political lyrics, has long influenced artists across continents and genres from Nigerian stars to global performers.
By recognising him with one of music’s highest honours, the Recording Academy has spotlighted Africa’s foundational role in shaping modern global music culture, according to commentators.
While the presidency’s tribute was overwhelmingly celebratory, reactions have varied across the public sphere. Some cultural commentators and activists have used the occasion to critique political motives behind the praise, arguing that Fela’s radical spirit often stood in opposition to political authority.
Historic milestone: First African musician to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammys.
Recognition of influence: The award highlights Fela’s lasting impact on music and social consciousness globally.
Cultural resonance: Fela’s body of work inspired new musical movements including contemporary Afrobeats and shaped global appreciation of African music.