Long crowned by his legion of fans as the king of Afrobeat, the late Fela Kuti is finally being recognised by the global music industry.
The Nigerian star will posthumously receive a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammys - almost three decades after his death at the age of 58.
Fela has been in the hearts of the people for such a long time. Now, the Grammys have acknowledged it, and it's a double victory, his musician son, Seun Kuti, tells the BBC.
It's bringing balance to a Fela story, he adds.
Rikki Stein, a long-time friend and manager of the late musician, states that the recognition by the Grammys is better late than never. He mentions that Africa hasn't historically rated very highly in their interests but that this is changing.
Following the global success of Afrobeats, a genre inspired by Fela's sound, the Grammys introduced the category of Best African Performance in 2024. Nigerian superstar Burna Boy is also nominated in the Best Global Music Album category.
Fela Kuti will be the first African to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award, albeit posthumously. The award was first presented in 1963 to American singer and actor Bing Crosby.
Rounding out the award this year are Mexican-American guitarist Carlos Santana, Chaka Khan, the American singer known as the Queen of Funk, and Paul Simon.
Fela Kuti's family, along with friends and colleagues, will be present at the Grammys to receive his award. Seun Kuti tells the BBC, The global human tapestry needs this, not just because it's my father. He emphasizes Fela's contributions as a cultural theorist, political agitator, and architect of Afrobeat, underscoring that his legacy lives on in the efforts of present and future artists.
Today, Fela Kuti's music continues to resonate with millions globally, influencing modern artists and inspiring new movements while having carved a distinct identity rooted in activism and artistic expression.
