President Bola Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti following his posthumous recognition with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, describing the late musician as a fearless advocate for justice whose influence transcends generations.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Tinubu said Fela was far more than a musician, portraying him as a revolutionary figure whose artistry challenged injustice and reshaped global music culture.

“The world of music has honoured a giant: Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Fela was more than a musician. He was a fearless voice of the people, a philosopher of freedom, and a revolutionary force whose music confronted injustice and reshaped global sound,” the President said.

According to Tinubu, Fela’s courage, creativity, and conviction defined an era and continue to inspire people across the world, adding that the Afrobeat icon had attained immortality through his enduring cultural impact.

“In Yoruba mythology, he has transcended to a higher plane as an Orisa. He is now eternal. Fela lives,” the statement read.

Fela was honoured with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Recording Academy’s Special Merit Awards ceremony, held at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles, on the eve of the 68th Annual Grammy Awards.

With the honour, Fela became the first African artiste to receive the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, which has been presented since 1963 to legendary figures in music, including Bing Crosby.

The award recognises performers who have made outstanding artistic contributions to the recording field over the course of their lifetimes.

The late musician, who died in 1997 at the age of 58, was celebrated posthumously for his enduring cultural, political, and musical legacy. Other recipients at the ceremony included Chaka Khan, Cher, Carlos Santana, Paul Simon, and Whitney Houston, who was also honoured posthumously.

The award was accepted on Fela’s behalf by his children, Femi Kuti, Yeni Kuti, and Kunle Kuti, in the presence of family members, friends, and leading figures from the global music industry.

During the presentation, Fela was described as a “producer, arranger, political radical, outlaw, and the father of Afrobeat.”

In his acceptance speech, Femi Kuti said: “Thank you for bringing our father here. It’s so important for us, it’s so important for Africa, it’s so important for world peace and the struggle.”

Ms. Yeni Kuti also expressed the family’s excitement at the recognition, noting that Fela was never nominated for a Grammy during his lifetime.

“The family is happy about it, and we’re excited that he’s finally being recognised,” she said, adding that while the honour was “better late than never”, there was still “a way to go” in fully acknowledging African artistes globally.

Seun Kuti equally welcomed the recognition, describing it as a “symbolic moment.”

“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. It’s bringing balance to a Fela story. The global human tapestry needs this, not just because it’s my father,” he said.

Footage from the ceremony showed a large screen bearing Fela’s image alongside highlights of his legacy, including his extensive music catalogue, the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical inspired by his life, and global cultural projects celebrating his work.

The presenter concluded: “The honour is all ours to present the Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award to Fela Kuti.”