President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has celebrated the global recognition of Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, following his posthumous receipt of the Recording Academy of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Eko Hot News reports that the award makes Fela Kuti the first African musician to be honoured with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award by the Recording Academy, marking a historic milestone for Nigerian and African music.
President Tinubu described Fela as more than a musician, noting that he was a fearless voice of the people whose music confronted injustice, challenged authority, and reshaped global sound and consciousness.
He said Fela’s courage, creativity, and conviction defined an era, adding that his influence continues to inspire musicians, activists, and freedom lovers across generations and continents.
According to the President, Fela’s life and legacy reflect the power of art as a tool for resistance, identity, and social change, positioning him as a philosopher of freedom and a revolutionary cultural force.
Tinubu also referenced Yoruba mythology, stating that Fela has transcended to a higher spiritual plane as an Orisa, affirming his eternal place in history and culture.
The President described the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award as a strong affirmation of Fela’s enduring global relevance and his foundational role in shaping modern music and amplifying Africa’s voice on the world stage.
He noted that Fela not only created Afrobeat but established a movement whose sound, message, and spirit remain evident in contemporary Nigerian music and the global Afrobeats phenomenon.
Tinubu said generations of musicians continue to draw inspiration from Fela’s originality, boldness, and commitment to truth, making his legacy both timeless and universal.
The recognition, he added, reinforces Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and the global impact of its creative industry.
President Tinubu congratulated the Kuti family and Nigerians at large, describing the honour as a collective celebration of African creativity, resilience, and global influence.
