Tinubu Pays Tribute to Fela Kuti as he becomes first African to receive Lifetime Grammy

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has showered glowing tributes on late Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, following his historic posthumous recognition by the Recording Academy of America.

Fela was recently honoured with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, becoming the first African artist to receive the prestigious accolade, a milestone that has sparked celebrations across Nigeria and beyond.

In a statement, President Tinubu described the legendary musician as a fearless advocate for the oppressed, a philosopher of liberty, and a revolutionary figure whose music challenged injustice while redefining the global soundscape.

“Fela was far more than a musician. He was a courageous voice of the people, a philosopher of freedom, and a revolutionary force whose sound confronted oppression and reshaped global music,” the President said.

He noted that the Grammy recognition affirms Fela’s enduring global impact and his foundational role in elevating African music on the world stage.

“By becoming the first African recipient of the Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award, Fela has blazed a trail, even in death. This honour confirms his lasting influence and the crucial role he played in shaping modern music,”

Tinubu added.

Drawing from Yoruba mythology, the President said the Afrobeat pioneer had transcended into eternal relevance, describing him as an Orisa who continues to inspire generations.

“He defined Afrobeat, and his imprint is evident in the works of countless Nigerian musicians and in the evolution of Afrobeats and global contemporary music,” he said.

The tribute underscores the lasting legacy of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti as both a cultural icon and a powerful symbol of artistic resistance.

He’ll be the first African to achieve the honour since the award was introduced in 1963.

Kuti pioneered the Afrobeat style in the 1960s and ’70s with drummer Tony Allen, fusing influences from West African music with American soul, funk, and jazz.

Across an almost 30-year career, Kuti released more than 50 albums until his death in 1997 at the age of 58.

But his influence is still very present. One of the nominees for this year’s Best Global Music Album Grammy is Nigerian superstar Burna Boy, who’s called Fela Kuti “the only African artist greater than me.”

Alongside his music, Kuti was a committed political activist, supporting Pan-Africanism and socialism, as well as the Black Panther movement in the United States. Much of his music directly challenged the Nigerian authorities, and he was arrested dozens of times.

Kuti’s family and friends will attend Sunday’s Grammy ceremony to accept the award.

Other artists being recognized for their lifetime work include Carlos Santana, Chaka Khan, Whitney Houston, Cher and Paul Simon.