Fela Kuti, the late Afrobeat pioneer and political radical, has made a remarkable entrance into history by becoming the first African recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammys, thirty years after his passing. The award was presented during a ceremony in Los Angeles, coinciding with the eve of the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, where Fela was posthumously acknowledged alongside several other artists.
For his family and supporters, this recognition is not just a personal honor but a significant moment to elevate Fela’s music and ideology among contemporary musicians and audiences. However, they also view it as a delayed but welcome acknowledgment. Yeni Kuti, Fela’s daughter, expressed a blend of happiness and disappointment: “The family is happy about it. And we’re excited that he’s finally being recognised… But Fela was never nominated [for a Grammy] in his lifetime.”
Lemi Ghariokwu, a prominent Nigerian artist and long-time associate of Fela, who designed many of his iconic album covers, shared his sentiments about the honor. He feels privileged to witness this milestone in Fela’s long-lasting legacy. Notably, Ghariokwu remarked on the irony of Fela, a figure known for his anti-establishment stance, being recognized by an establishment like the Grammys. “Fela was totally anti-establishment. And now, the establishment is recognising him,” he stated.
Imagining Fela’s reaction if he were alive, Ghariokwu envisioned him joyfully celebrating the achievement, perhaps with an iconic raised fist. However, Yeni Kuti believes her father would have been indifferent to such awards. She said, “He played music because he loved music.” Her cousin, Yemisi Ransome-Kuti, echoed that sentiment, suggesting that while Fela might not have personally valued such recognition, he would appreciate the importance of giving honor where it is due across the African continent.
Fela, born in 1938 in Ogun State, Nigeria, transformed the musical landscape by innovating the Afrobeat genre, combining highlife and Yoruba music with jazz, funk, and soul. His influence extends across generations, inspiring countless artists, including global icons like Beyoncé and Paul McCartney. His music also became a powerful tool for social and political critique during Nigeria’s military rule in the 1970s, with Fela declaring his Lagos commune, Kalakuta Republic, independent from the Nigerian state.
His compelling message often led to personal repercussions, including arrests and assaults by authorities, but he remained a symbol of artistic resistance. Fela’s legacy endures, notably through the efforts of his family who continue to honor his memory. Yeni runs the New Afrika Shrine in Lagos and commemorates her father annually through “Felabration,” ensuring that his vision of African unity and consciousness continues to resonate.
Reflecting on Fela’s enduring impact, Ghariokwu noted that while many contemporary musicians are influenced by Fela’s music and aesthetics, they often overlook his ideological framework. Yet, he hopes Fela’s Grammy recognition serves as a catalyst for young artists, encouraging them to express themselves freely and to acknowledge the deeper political messages woven throughout their art.
Yeni remains optimistic about the potential impact of Fela’s recognition, believing that it could inspire younger generations to engage more deeply in discussions about Africa’s progress and unity. She hopes this honor leads to greater exposure of Fela’s work and a renewed interest in his philosophies among new audiences.