President Bola Tinubu has celebrated the late Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti as a "fearless voice of the people" and a revolutionary artist, following Fela’s posthumous recognition with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
In a personal statement issued on Sunday, Tinubu praised Fela’s enduring impact on music and social consciousness, describing him as "a philosopher of freedom" whose work confronted injustice and reshaped global sound.
The award, presented by the Recording Academy of America, marks the first time an African artist has received the prestigious honor. Tinubu noted that the recognition affirms Fela’s "enduring global influence and the foundational role he has played in the evolution and impact of Africa on modern music."
The President also referenced Yoruba mythology, stating that Fela has "transcended to a higher plane as an Orisa. He is now eternal."
Fela, who died in 1997, created Afrobeat by fusing traditional Yoruba rhythms with jazz, funk, and highlife. His music and activism continue to influence generations of artists across the world.
"He defined Afrobeat, and you can hear and see his influence in generations of Nigerian musicians and in Afrobeats and beyond," Tinubu said. "Fela lives."
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