Long crowned by his legion of fans as the king of Afrobeat, the late Fela Kuti is finally being recognised by the global music industry. The Nigerian star will posthumously receive a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammys - almost three decades after his death at the age of 58.
Fela has been in the hearts of the people for such a long time. Now the Grammys have acknowledged it, and it's a double victory, his musician son Seun Kuti tells the BBC. It's bringing balance to Fela's story, he adds.
Rikki Stein, a long-time friend and manager of the late musician, says the recognition by the Grammys is better late than never. Africa hasn't in the past rated very highly in their interests. I think that's changing quite a bit of late, Stein tells the BBC.
Following the global success of Afrobeats, a genre inspired by Fela's sound, the Grammys introduced the category of Best African Performance in 2024. This year, Nigerian superstar Burna Boy also has a nomination in the Best Global Music Album category.
But Fela Kuti will be the first African to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award, albeit posthumously. The award was first presented in 1963 to American singer and actor Bing Crosby. Other musicians who will receive the award this year include Mexican-American guitarist Carlos Santana, Chaka Khan, the American singer known as the Queen of Funk, and Paul Simon.
Fela Kuti's family, as well friends and colleagues, will be attending the Grammys to receive his award. The global human tapestry needs this, not just because it's my father, Seun Kuti tells the BBC.
Stein notes that Fela championed the cause for those suffering from social injustices, saying, It would be impossible to ignore that aspect of Fela's legacy.
Fela Anikulapo Kuti was not simply a musician; he was also a cultural theorist, political agitator, and the undisputed architect of Afrobeat. His music merged various influences from West African rhythms, jazz, and funk, with politically charged lyrics. Across a career spanning approximately three decades until his death in 1997, he released over 50 albums and created a body of work that fused music with ideology.
Fela's music often incurred the wrath of Nigeria's military regimes, including an infamous incident in 1977 when a raid on his home in Lagos resulted in devastating consequences. Yet, rather than retreating, Fela responded through music and defiance, transforming personal tragedies into powerful statements against oppression.
His performances were not only music concerts but also political rallies, fully immersing audiences into his world. Today, his influence resonates in the works of contemporary artists, solidifying his legacy as a pivotal figure in music history.
