- Toke Benson-Awoyinka, said the award highlights the far-reaching impact of Fela’s music, message and enduring influence across the globe
- According to her, the honour reinforces Lagos’ status as a cultural powerhouse and a fertile ground for creative excellence
- Members of the Kuti family, in their reaction, described the award as deeply symbolic, saying it represents a connection between generations
Tributes have continued to pour in for the late Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, following his posthumous honour with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, with the Lagos State Government describing the recognition as a milestone for African music and culture.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Fela etched his name into history as the first African artiste to receive the prestigious award, which was presented on January 31, 2026, at the Grammy Special Merit Awards held in Los Angeles, United States.
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His children, Yeni, Femi, Kunle and Shalewa Kuti, were present to receive the honour on behalf of the family.
Commenting on the achievement, the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, said the award highlights the far-reaching impact of Fela’s music, message and enduring influence across the globe.
She described the recognition as more than a personal victory for the Kuti family, noting that it represents a proud moment for Lagos State, Nigeria and Africa as a whole.
According to her, the honour reinforces Lagos’ status as a cultural powerhouse and a fertile ground for creative excellence that continues to shape global artistic expression.
Benson-Awoyinka added that Fela’s artistry helped position African music on the international stage and remains influential decades after his death, cutting across generations and borders.
She explained that the Grammy accolade aligns with the state government’s ongoing efforts to safeguard Fela’s legacy while strengthening the creative industry through continued investment in arts, culture and cultural diplomacy.
The commissioner also noted that Fela’s music went beyond entertainment, serving as a fearless voice against military rule, corruption, social inequality and the marginalisation of ordinary citizens, while projecting Africa’s realities to the world.
Members of the Kuti family, in their reaction, described the award as deeply symbolic, saying it represents a connection between generations and underscores the growing global appreciation of African music and cultural identity.
They said the honour confirms Fela’s lasting relevance, portraying him not just as a musician, but as a cultural icon whose work inspired resistance, dialogue and artistic freedom.
Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, the architect of Afrobeat, was celebrated for fusing traditional African rhythms with jazz, funk and highlife, using music as a platform for social commentary and political activism.
His legacy extends far beyond sound, as he remains one of Africa’s most outspoken critics of injustice and oppression, a reputation that continues to inspire artists worldwide.
The Lagos State Government reaffirmed its dedication to preserving the state’s cultural heritage and ensuring that the contributions of legendary figures such as Fela Anikulapo-Kuti remain honoured and celebrated for generations to come.
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