February 01, (THEWILL) — President Bola Tinubu has paid tribute to Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti after the late musician was posthumously honoured with the Recording Academy’s Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
In a statement on Sunday, the President described the honour as a deserved global salute to an artist whose music and ideas shaped generations and took African culture to the world.
Tinubu said Fela was more than a musician, describing him as a strong voice against oppression and injustice whose music inspired social awareness across continents.
According to the President, Fela’s creative audacity defined an era and continues to influence contemporary music, fashion and youth culture long after his passing.
“The Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award affirms Fela’s foundational role in African music and his lasting impact on global popular culture. His courage, creativity and conviction defined a generation and continue to inspire the world,” Tinubu said.
He added that the recognition reflects Fela’s influence on generations of Nigerian artists and the global success of Afrobeats.
Describing Fela as an immortal cultural symbol, the President said his legacy has crossed time and borders.
“Fela lives,” Tinubu declared.
Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, who died in 1997, was the creator of Afrobeat and one of Africa’s most influential musical figures.
He is the first African artist to receive the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Evi Ben Ezaga writes on entertainment, culture, and trending stories.
