President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti following his posthumous recognition with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, describing the legendary musician as a fearless voice, cultural icon and eternal symbol of freedom,LeadNaija News Report.
In a statement released on Sunday, President Tinubu said the global honour conferred on Fela by the Recording Academy of the United States affirms his enduring influence on world music and Africa’s foundational role in shaping modern sound.
“The world of music has honoured a giant: Fela Anikulapo Kuti,” the President said. “Fela was more than a musician.
He was a fearless voice of the people, a philosopher of freedom, and a revolutionary force whose music confronted injustice and reshaped global sound.”
President Tinubu noted that Fela’s courage, creativity and conviction defined a generation and continue to inspire artists and audiences across the world.
Drawing from Yoruba cultural symbolism, the President said the Afrobeat icon has transcended mortality. “In Yoruba mythology, he has transcended to a higher plane as an Orisa. He is now eternal,” he said.
Fela Kuti, who died in 1997, became the first African to receive the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, albeit posthumously.
President Tinubu described the honour as a recognition of Fela’s trailblazing legacy and his pivotal role in the global evolution of Afrobeat and African music.
“He defined Afrobeat, and you can hear and see his influence in generations of Nigerian musicians and in Afrobeats and beyond,” the President stated.
The Grammy recognition has been widely celebrated by musicians, cultural scholars and fans, who view it as a long-overdue acknowledgement of Fela’s impact on music, activism and global popular culture.
President Tinubu concluded his tribute with a powerful declaration: “Fela lives.”
Fela Anikulapo Kuti remains one of Africa’s most influential cultural figures, remembered not only for his music but also for his unwavering stance against oppression and injustice.
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
