Fela Kuti Makes History as First African to Win Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

Fela Anikulapo Kuti, the legendary Afrobeat icon, has posthumously made history by becoming the first African musician to receive the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Grammy Special Merit Award ceremony in Los Angeles on January 31. Fela's children, Yeni, Shalewa, and Femi Kuti, were present to accept the prestigious award on his behalf.

Yeni expressed gratitude on behalf of the family, mentioning that their father would have been proud of the recognition. Femi Kuti extended thanks for the support of Afrobeat's growth globally.

The award places Fela Kuti among influential music icons like Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, Cher, and Paul Simon. The global music community celebrated this milestone, recognizing Fela's legacy and his contributions to music and social justice.