- Tinubu noted that Fela’s fearlessness, originality and strong convictions shaped an era
- The president said the recognition reaffirms Fela’s lasting impact on global music
- Tinubu added that Fela not only created Afrobeat but also left an imprint that is still evident in contemporary Nigerian music
President Bola Tinubu has joined admirers around the world in celebrating the legacy of Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, following his posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
In a tribute released on Sunday in Abuja, the president described Fela as far more than an entertainer, portraying him as a bold defender of the oppressed, a philosopher of freedom and a revolutionary figure who challenged injustice through music, Eko Hot Blog reports.
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Tinubu noted that Fela’s fearlessness, originality and strong convictions shaped an era and have continued to resonate with audiences across generations and continents.
According to the president, the late musician’s influence has remained timeless, transcending both cultural and spiritual boundaries, and cementing his place as a global icon.
He also highlighted the historic significance of the honour, noting that Fela became the first African to be awarded the Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award, albeit posthumously.
The president said the recognition reaffirms Fela’s lasting impact on global music and his foundational role in projecting African sounds to the world stage.
Tinubu added that Fela not only created Afrobeat but also left an imprint that is still evident in contemporary Nigerian music, Afrobeats and other global genres.
“Fela defined Afrobeat, and his influence continues to echo across generations of Nigerian musicians and beyond,” the president said, adding simply: “Fela lives.”
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