Lagos State Celebrates Fela Kuti’s Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Hails Family for Historic Recognition

The Lagos State Government has commended the family of late Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti following his posthumous recognition with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, calling it a defining moment for African music and culture.

Fela made history as the first African artist to receive the prestigious award, which was presented on January 31, 2026, at the Grammy Special Merit Awards ceremony in Los Angeles, United States. The honour was accepted on his behalf by his children—Yeni, Femi, Kunle, and Shalewa Kuti.

Reacting to the achievement, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, described the recognition as a landmark that underscores the global impact of Fela’s music and message.

“This historic recognition is a powerful reminder of Lagos State’s enduring position as the cultural heartbeat of Africa and a nurturing ground for creative excellence,” she said.

Benson-Awoyinka highlighted that Fela’s music placed African rhythms on the world stage and continues to resonate across generations, decades after his passing. She added that the Grammy honour reinforces the state government’s commitment to preserving Fela’s legacy and promoting arts, culture, and creative diplomacy.

“Fela’s contribution to global music and social consciousness remains immeasurable. His music boldly confronted military dictatorship, corruption, social injustice, and oppression while amplifying Africa’s voice globally,” she said.

Nearly three decades after his death, Fela’s music remains influential and widely celebrated worldwide. Members of the Kuti family described the award as a deeply meaningful milestone, symbolising a bridge between generations and affirming the growing global recognition of African music and culture.

They emphasised that the honour celebrates Fela not only as a musician but also as a cultural revolutionary whose work inspired dialogue, resistance, and artistic freedom.

The creator of Afrobeat, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, was renowned for fusing traditional African rhythms with jazz, funk, and highlife, using his music as a platform for political expression and social critique. Beyond music, he became one of Africa’s most fearless voices against oppression, earning global recognition for his activism.

Today, Fela’s influence endures, shaping the works of artists across Africa and the world, as Afrobeat continues to drive global music trends.

The Lagos State Government reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the state’s rich cultural heritage and ensuring that the legacies of icons like Fela Anikulapo-Kuti are preserved and celebrated for generations to come.