The Lagos State Authorities has hailed the household of late Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, following his posthumous recognition with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, describing the honour as a defining second for African music and tradition.
Fela made historical past as the primary African artist to obtain the distinguished award, which was introduced on January 31, 2026, throughout the Grammy Particular Advantage Awards ceremony held in Los Angeles, United States.
The award was accepted on his behalf by his kids, Yeni, Femi, Kunle, and Shalewa Kuti, who represented the household on the ceremony.
Reacting to the event, the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Tradition, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, described the popularity as a landmark achievement that displays the worldwide affect of Fela’s music and message.
In line with her, honour is just not solely a victory for the Kuti household but in addition a supply of pleasure for Lagos State, Nigeria, and the African continent.
“This historic recognition is a strong reminder of Lagos State’s enduring place because the cultural heartbeat of Africa and a nurturing floor for artistic excellence,” Benson-Awoyinka mentioned.
She famous that Fela’s work positioned African music on the world map and continues to resonate throughout generations, lengthy after his passing.
The commissioner added that the Grammy honour reinforces the state authorities’s dedication to preserving Fela’s legacy and strengthening the artistic sector by way of sustained assist for the humanities, tradition, and cultural diplomacy.
“Fela’s contribution to international music and social consciousness stays immeasurable. His music boldly confronted army dictatorship, corruption, social injustice, and the oppression of the mass , whereas amplifying Africa’s voice on the worldwide stage,” she mentioned.
She additional acknowledged that just about three many years after his dying, Fela’s music stays related, influential, and broadly celebrated internationally.
In the meantime, members of the Kuti household described the award as a deeply significant second, noting that it symbolises a bridge between generations and displays the rising international recognition of African music and cultural expression.
They famous that the honour affirms Fela’s lasting influence, not solely as a musician however as a cultural revolutionary whose work impressed resistance, dialogue, and creative freedom.
Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, the creator of Afrobeat, was recognized for mixing conventional African rhythms with jazz, funk, and highlife, whereas utilizing his music as a software for political expression and social critique.
Past music, he emerged as certainly one of Africa’s most fearless voices in opposition to oppression, incomes international consideration for his activism and uncompromising stance in opposition to injustice.
At this time, his affect could be seen within the works of quite a few artists throughout Africa and past, as Afrobeat continues to form international music developments.
The Lagos State Authorities reaffirmed its dedication to selling the state’s wealthy cultural heritage and making certain that the legacies of iconic figures like Fela Anikulapo-Kuti are preserved and celebrated for future generations.
