In a historic moment for African music, Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti has been posthumously awarded the Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
The ceremony took place on January 31, 2026, in Los Angeles, with Fela’s children accepting the honour on his behalf.
The award recognised Fela’s groundbreaking contributions to world music, fusing West African highlife with American jazz and funk to create the iconic Afrobeat sound.
His legacy continues to inspire artists globally, cementing his place in music history.
Fela’s children, Yeni, Kunle, Shalewa, and Femi Kuti, accepted the award, with Yeni expressing gratitude and Femi thanking those promoting Afrobeat worldwide.
Yeni said, “‘I’m sure my father is smiling down on us. I want to acknowledge my siblings who couldn’t be here tonight, Motunrayo and Seun, and my nephew who is carrying Afrobeat to another level, Made.”
Femi added, “I would like to thank all the people carrying Afrobeat that are in this place tonight. DJs, the press, our label Partisan, our lawyers, fans all over the world. Thank you for bringing our father here, it’s so important for Africa. It’s so important for world peace and struggle”.
The honour places Fela alongside music legends like Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, and Cher and Paul Simon.
