Fela Kuti, the Nigerian music legend, widely celebrated as the father of Afrobeat, is set to receive a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in a posthumous recognition of his extraordinary contributions to music and culture. This moment honors Kuti's legacy nearly three decades after his passing at the age of 58.
His musician son, Seun Kuti, expressed gratitude for the accolade, stating, Fela has been in the hearts of the people for such a long time. Now the Grammys have acknowledged it, and it's a double victory. He emphasized that the award brings balance to his father's story.
Rikki Stein, a close friend and manager of Kuti, commented on the significance of the recognition, mentioning, Better late than never, and acknowledged a shift in the Grammy's focus toward African artists. With the rise of Afrobeats on the global stage, the Grammys also introduced the Best African Performance category in 2024.
As Kuti is posthumously awarded, he becomes the first African recipient in this category, which has previously honored icons like Bing Crosby, Carlos Santana, and Paul Simon. Seun Kuti will represent his family at the Grammy event, celebrating not just their father's music but his influential political activism, which aimed to empower the marginalized and fight against social injustice through his art.
Throughout his prolific career, Fela Kuti released over 50 albums, merging music with ideology and using it as a tool of protest against oppressive regimes. His performances, known for their immersive and communal experience, have left an indelible mark on both African culture and global music. Today, Kuti's influence resonates in the works of contemporary artists like Burna Boy and Kendrick Lamar, ensuring that his legacy continues to inspire future generations.
His musician son, Seun Kuti, expressed gratitude for the accolade, stating, Fela has been in the hearts of the people for such a long time. Now the Grammys have acknowledged it, and it's a double victory. He emphasized that the award brings balance to his father's story.
Rikki Stein, a close friend and manager of Kuti, commented on the significance of the recognition, mentioning, Better late than never, and acknowledged a shift in the Grammy's focus toward African artists. With the rise of Afrobeats on the global stage, the Grammys also introduced the Best African Performance category in 2024.
As Kuti is posthumously awarded, he becomes the first African recipient in this category, which has previously honored icons like Bing Crosby, Carlos Santana, and Paul Simon. Seun Kuti will represent his family at the Grammy event, celebrating not just their father's music but his influential political activism, which aimed to empower the marginalized and fight against social injustice through his art.
Throughout his prolific career, Fela Kuti released over 50 albums, merging music with ideology and using it as a tool of protest against oppressive regimes. His performances, known for their immersive and communal experience, have left an indelible mark on both African culture and global music. Today, Kuti's influence resonates in the works of contemporary artists like Burna Boy and Kendrick Lamar, ensuring that his legacy continues to inspire future generations.
