Fela Anikulapo Kuti, the legendary Afrobeat pioneer, has become the first African artist to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy. The award was accepted by his children, Yeni, Kunle, Shalewa, and Femi Kuti, at the 2026 Special Merit Awards in Los Angeles.

In an emotional acceptance speech, Yeni Kuti thanked the Grammys and acknowledged her siblings, while Femi Kuti dedicated the award to fans, DJs, and everyone carrying Afrobeat forward. “I want to thank all the people carrying Afrobeat… fans all over the world. Thank you for bringing our father here, it’s so important for Africa. It’s so important for world peace and struggle,” Femi said.

Fela joins an elite group of international music icons, including Whitney Houston and Cher, recognized for their contributions to modern music. Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. praised the honorees as “an extraordinary group whose influence spans generations, genres, and the foundation of modern music.”

Fela’s legacy extends far beyond his music, which blended local instrumentation with funk, jazz, and soul, birthing the Afrobeat genre. His impact is evident in artists like Beyoncé, Burna Boy, and Wizkid, who have sampled his work. This award caps a monumental year for Fela, following his 1976 album “Zombie” being inducted into the 2025 Grammy Hall of Fame.