Afrobeat musician Femi Kuti has shared his reaction to the unexpected announcement that his late father, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, would be honoured with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, describing the moment as shocking, emotional and deeply fulfilling for the entire family.
According to a report published by Arise News, the Recording Academy informed the Kuti family ahead of the ceremony that Fela had been selected for the prestigious honour, more than three decades after his death.
The award recognises artists whose creative contributions have left a lasting imprint on global music culture.
Femi revealed that the family did not lobby or campaign for the recognition, making the news even more surprising. He said the call from the Academy caught him off guard, but quickly turned into a moment of pride and reflection.
For him, the honour confirmed what fans and musicians around the world have long acknowledged Fela as a musical genius far ahead of his time.
He explained that while Fela was never part of the commercial mainstream, his influence quietly shaped some of the biggest names in global music. From hip-hop to pop and jazz, Fela’s Afrobeat sound and fearless political messaging have been sampled, studied and celebrated by artists across generations.
Femi noted that the Grammy award validates his father’s decision to remain independent and uncompromising throughout his career. He described Fela as an artist who followed his own rules, regardless of industry pressure or political consequences.
His words: “I was surprised, because, they called us to tell us he was going to receive it and we were like….well I was shocked. And I was like, wow. Then it was awesome, Good feeling, I’ve always known my father was a genius, I’ve always respected adored.”
The Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, the family believes, is more than a trophy — it is global acknowledgement of Fela Kuti’s enduring cultural, musical and ideological influence……See More
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