Lagos Govt commends Fela’s Posthumous Grammy recognition
The Lagos State Government has congratulated the family of late Afrobeat musician Fela Anikulapo-Kuti on his posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, calling it a defining moment in African music and culture.
Fela made history as the first African musician to get the prestigious honour, which was handed on January 31, 2026, at the Grammy Special Merit Awards ceremony in Los Angeles, United States.
His children, Yeni, Femi, Kunle, and Shalewa Kuti, accepted the award on his behalf, representing the family at the ceremony.
Reacting to the development, the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, described the recognition as a landmark achievement that reflects the global influence of Fela’s music and message.
According to her, honour is not only a victory for the Kuti family but also a source of pride for Lagos State, Nigeria, and the African continent.
“This historic recognition is a powerful reminder of Lagos State’s enduring position as the cultural heartbeat of Africa and a nurturing ground for creative excellence,” Benson-Awoyinka said.
She noted that Fela’s work placed African music on the world map and continues to resonate across generations, long after his passing.
The commissioner added that the Grammy honour reinforces the state government’s commitment to preserving Fela’s legacy and strengthening the creative sector through sustained support for the arts, culture, and cultural diplomacy.
“Fela’s contribution to global music and social consciousness remains immeasurable. His music boldly confronted military dictatorship, corruption, social injustice, and the oppression of the mass , while amplifying Africa’s voice on the global stage,” she stated.
