Long crowned by his legion of fans as the king of Afrobeat, the late Fela Kuti is finally being recognized 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 a Fela story, he adds.
Rikki Stein, a long-time friend and manager of the late musician, believes the recognition by the Grammys is better late than never, noting that Africa has historically not rated highly in the awards' interests but that this trend is changing.
With the global success of Afrobeats, a genre inspired by Fela's sound, the Grammys introduced the Best African Performance category in 2024. This year, Nigerian superstar Burna Boy has also received a nomination in the Best Global Music Album category.
Fela Kuti stands out as the first African recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. Other musicians being honored this year include iconic figures such as Carlos Santana, Chaka Khan, and Paul Simon. His family, alongside friends and colleagues, will attend the Grammys to receive his award.
Seun Kuti emphasizes that the recognition of Fela is crucial not just for personal reasons but for the global community, stating, The global human tapestry needs this, not just because it's my father.
Fela Kuti, a cultural theorist, political agitator, and the undisputed architect of Afrobeat, pioneered a genre that combines West African rhythms with jazz, funk, and politically charged themes, creating a legacy that continues to inspire modern artists around the world. Today, his influence is evident in the works of artists like Burna Boy and Kendrick Lamar.
