The late Fela Anikulapo Kuti, widely regarded as the pioneer of Afrobeat, has been posthumously awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award, becoming the first African artist to receive the honour.

The recognition marks a historic milestone for African music on the global stage, acknowledging Fela’s enduring influence not only as a musician, but as a cultural revolutionary whose work fused sound, politics, and resistance.

Global Recognition of an African Icon

Organisers of the award described Fela Kuti’s global impact as unparalleled, citing his role in shaping modern music genres, inspiring generations of artists, and using music as a tool for political consciousness.

Fela’s sound — a powerful blend of jazz, funk, highlife, and traditional rhythms — laid the foundation for Afrobeat’s global resurgence, influencing contemporary artists across Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

Cultural and Political Legacy

Beyond music, Fela Kuti remains synonymous with artistic defiance. His lyrics openly challenged military rule, corruption, and social injustice in Nigeria, often at great personal cost. His activism transformed Afrobeat into a vehicle for political expression and cultural resistance.

Cultural historians note that his legacy continues through both his musical catalogue and the ongoing work of artists influenced by his philosophy of self-determination and Pan-African identity.

Africa’s Place in Global Music History

The award has been widely welcomed as a long-overdue recognition of African contributions to global music history. Observers say it signals a broader shift toward acknowledging African innovators whose influence has often been underrepresented in international institutions.

For many, Fela’s recognition represents not only personal acclaim, but a symbolic victory for African cultural heritage and artistic sovereignty.