Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti has made history as the first African artist to receive the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential musicians of all time.
The announcement comes ahead of the 68th Grammy Awards set for February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, where Afrobeats stars are already dominating the spotlight. Nigerian nominees include Burna Boy (Love), Davido & Omah Lay (With You), and Ayra Starr with Wizkid (Gimme Dat), all competing in the Best African Music Performance category. Burna Boy also earned a nod for Best Global Music Album with No Sign of Weakness.
Tributes to Fela have poured in across social media, with fans and cultural commentators celebrating his fearless expression, political resistance, and groundbreaking sound that reshaped African music. His recognition by the Grammys is seen as a game changer, preserving his legacy for future generations and highlighting the global rise of Afrobeats.
The ceremony will be hosted by Trevor Noah, with Nigerian stars like Davido and Femi Kuti already spotted at Grammy events in Los Angeles, further amplifying the buzz around Africa’s growing influence on the world stage.
