Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti has been posthumously recognised by the Recording Academy, becoming the first African artist to receive its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.
The historic honour was conferred at the 2026 Special Merit Awards held in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 31, just ahead of the main Grammy Awards ceremony. Members of Fela’s family—Yeni, Kunle, Shalewa and Femi Kuti—were present to accept the award on his behalf.
Speaking at the event, Yeni Kuti thanked the Recording Academy for the recognition, saying she believed her late father would be proud of the moment. She also paid tribute to family members who were absent and highlighted the next generation of Afrobeat musicians.
“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,” she said.
Femi Kuti, also addressing the audience, expressed appreciation to those who have helped sustain and spread Afrobeat across the world, from music professionals to fans.
“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,” Femi said.
Fela was honoured alongside other celebrated figures in global music history, including Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, Cher and Paul Simon, further cementing his legacy as one of the most influential artists of all time.
