The Grammys to Celebrate Fela Anikulapo Kuti at the 2026 Ceremony
The Recording Academy has announced that the 2026 Grammy Awards will include a special tribute honoring Fela Anikulapo Kuti, the legendary Nigerian musician widely regarded as the founder of Afrobeat. The celebration marks a historic moment for African music, recognizing Fela’s enduring influence on global sound, culture, and political expression.
Born in 1938 in Abeokuta, Nigeria, Fela Kuti revolutionized modern African music by creating Afrobeat—a powerful fusion of traditional Yoruba rhythms, jazz, highlife, funk, and soul, driven by hypnotic grooves, sharp horn sections, and fearless lyricism. More than a musical style, Afrobeat became a vehicle for resistance, social commentary, and African pride, challenging corruption, colonial legacies, and injustice.
Fela’s impact reaches far beyond his era. His bold artistry and uncompromising activism paved the way for generations of musicians across Africa and the diaspora. Today’s global rise of African music—often referred to as Afrobeats—owes a profound debt to the foundation Fela laid decades ago. Artists across genres continue to sample his work, cite his philosophy, and draw inspiration from his commitment to truth and cultural authenticity.
The 2026 Grammy tribute is expected to feature performances, archival moments, and reflections from artists and cultural figures influenced by Fela’s legacy. By honoring him on one of music’s biggest stages, the Grammys acknowledge not only a pioneer but a movement—one that reshaped how African music is heard, valued, and celebrated worldwide.
As the world gathers for the 2026 ceremony, the spotlight on Fela Kuti serves as a powerful reminder: Afrobeat was born from courage, conviction, and creativity, and its heartbeat continues to resonate across continents.
-AMG Records
