29 Years On: Fela Aníkulápó Kuti Honoured at the Grammys as Afrobeat Legacy Takes Centre Stage
Los Angeles, California, February 2, 2026
Twenty-nine years after his passing, the spirit of Fela Aníkulápó Kuti once again took centre stage on the global music platform as the Grammys paid tribute to the Afrobeat pioneer with a special Grammy Honours Party dedicated to his enduring legacy.
The event celebrated not just Fela’s revolutionary sound, but his fearless voice, cultural impact, and the movement he ignited—one that continues to shape global music, politics, and identity. Afrobeat, once a radical sound born in Nigeria, now stands as a global force, and Fela’s influence remains unmistakable in today’s music landscape.
The honours night drew an impressive lineup of prominent figures from Nigeria’s creative industry. In attendance were global Afrobeats superstar Davido, music executive Sharon Adeleke, talent manager and cultural powerhouse Bose Ogulu, and Yeni Kuti, Fela’s daughter and a tireless custodian of his legacy. Their presence underscored the powerful bridge between generations,
Throughout the evening, speakers and performers reflected on Fela’s uncompromising artistry and activism—qualities that continue to inspire musicians worldwide. The celebration reaffirmed that Afrobeat is not merely a genre, but a cultural language born of resistance, freedom, and African pride.
Nearly three decades on, Fela Aníkulápó Kuti’s music still speaks truth to power, still moves bodies, and still challenges systems. The Grammy tribute served as a reminder that while the man may be gone, his message—and his music—remain timeless, echoing louder than ever on the world stage.

