Grammys to Honour Afrobeat Legend Fela Kuti With Lifetime Achievement Award

Nigerian music icon Fela Kuti is receiving Grammy recognition nearly 30 years after his death.

As part of the honour, the Recording Academy will present the Afrobeat pioneer with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

He becomes the first African musician to receive the honour.

The award recognises his impact on music, culture, and political expression around the world.

Speaking on the moment, Fela’s son, Seun Kuti, described it as emotional.

He said his father has always lived in the hearts of the people and that the recognition feels like justice for his legacy.

Also reacting, long-time collaborator Rikki Stein welcomed the news, saying the honour is overdue and reflects growing global interest in African music.

The recognition also comes as Afrobeats continues to rise worldwide.

The Grammys recently introduced the Best African Performance category, showing a shift toward wider inclusion.