Fẹla Anikulapo Kuti, the legendary Nigerian musician and cultural revolutionary widely regarded as the architect and father of Afrobeat, is set to be honored with a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy.
A fearless artist, producer, arranger, and political activist, Fẹla reshaped global music in the 1960s by creating Afrobeat — a powerful fusion of funk, jazz, salsa, calypso, and traditional Nigerian rhythms. Beyond sound, his music served as a vehicle for resistance, social commentary, and African pride.
Fẹla’s influence continues to resonate across generations. Modern Nigerian Afrobeats draws heavily from his innovations, while international superstars such as Beyoncé, Paul McCartney, and Thom Yorke have cited his work as inspirational. His legacy also lives on through his family, the Kalakuta Museum, and the iconic New Afrika Shrine, which remain vital symbols of his cultural impact.
On January 31, 2026, Fẹla Anikulapo Kuti will be posthumously recognized as one of the recipients of the GRAMMY Special Merit Award for Lifetime Achievement, celebrating his enduring influence on music and global culture.
More details about the Special Merit Awards and the 2026 GRAMMYs are available via the Recording Academy.
Source: Recording Academy / GRAMMY.com
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