Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti has made history as the first African artist to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy.
The late music icon was posthumously honoured at the 2026 Special Merit Awards held in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 31, on the eve of the main Grammy Awards ceremony.
The award was accepted on his behalf by his children Yeni, Kunle, Shalewa and Femi Kuti.
Speaking at the ceremony, Yeni Kuti expressed gratitude to the Recording Academy, saying she was certain their father would be “smiling down on us.” She also acknowledged her siblings who were unable to attend, Motunrayo and Seun, and praised her nephew Made Kuti for taking Afrobeat to new heights.
‘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 Kuti, in his remarks, thanked everyone who continues to promote Afrobeat globally, including DJs, members of the media, their label Partisan, legal representatives and fans worldwide.
He described the honour as significant not only for their father, but for Africa and the global struggle for justice.
“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 received the prestigious honour alongside other global music icons, including Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, Cher and Paul Simon.
