Fela Kuti, the late Afrobeat legend, has been inducted into the 2025 Grammy Hall of Fame for his 1976 album, ‘Zombie’.
The Grammy Hall Of Fame was established by the Recording Academy in 1973 to honour recordings of lasting qualitative or historical significance that are at least 25 years old.
Inductees are selected annually by a special member committee of eminent and knowledgeable professionals from all branches of the recording arts.
Accepting the award on behalf of his family, Fela’s eldest son, Femi Kuti described it as an “honour”.
“Our father’s legacy lives on. We are honoured to accept this Grammy Hall of Fame award on behalf of Fela Anikulapo Kuti,” Femi wrote on X.
“His music continues to inspire and unite people across the world.”
The Afrobeat legend passed away on August 2, 1997.
Nearly three decades after Fela’s death, he is still remembered as an influential icon who voiced his opinions on matters that affected Nigeria through music.
After early experiences abroad, Kuti and Africa 70, his band, shot to stardom in Nigeria during the 1970s.
In 1970, he founded the Kalakuta Republic commune, which declared itself independent from military rule.
The commune was destroyed in a 1978 raid. Fela was jailed by the federal government of Muhammadu Buhari in 1984.
After his release, he continued to record and perform through the 1980s and 1990s.
