Fela Kuti receives a historic Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award as his children accept the posthumous honour at the 2026 Special Merit Awards in Los Angeles
Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti has become the first African artist to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy.
Also read: Grammys honour Fela Kuti with historic Lifetime Award
The late music icon was posthumously honoured at the 2026 Special Merit Awards held in Los Angeles on Saturday night, on the eve of the main Grammy Awards ceremony.
The award was accepted on his behalf by his children, Yeni, Kunle, Shalewa and Femi Kuti.
Speaking at the ceremony, Yeni Kuti expressed gratitude to the Recording Academy and said she was certain their father would be proud of the moment.
“I’m sure my father is smiling down on us. I want to acknowledge my siblings who couldn’t be here tonight, Motunrayo and Seun, and my nephew who is carrying Afrobeat to another level, Made,” she said.
Femi Kuti, in his remarks, thanked everyone who continues to promote Afrobeat across the world, including disc jockeys, members of the media, their record label Partisan, legal representatives and fans globally.
He described the honour as deeply significant, not only for their father but also for Africa and the broader global struggle for justice.
“I would like to thank all the people carrying Afrobeat that are in this place tonight. DJs, the press, our label Partisan, our lawyers, fans all over the world.
Thank you for bringing our father here. It’s so important for Africa. It’s so important for world peace and struggle,” Femi said.
Also read: Barack Obama honours Fela Kuti in new podcast series
Fela received the prestigious recognition alongside other global music legends, including Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, Cher and Paul Simon.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
