The legendary musician Fela Kuti has been awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammys. He is the first African to get the award. Kuti died in 1997, but he left an amazing legacy. His daughter said the award was "better late than never". She said her father didn't care about awards. She said: "He played music because he loved music. It was to be acknowledged by his people…that made him happy."
Fela Kuti was born in 1938. He revolutionized African music and pioneered the Afrobeat music genre. This mixed traditional rhythms, jazz, and funk to make a powerful sound. He was an amazing live performer and toured the world. His concerts were a celebration of rhythm and African identity. He fought against corruption and colonial influence. Because of this, he was arrested, beaten, and imprisoned. His influence on music is still alive today.
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Sources- https://www.okayafrica.com/fela-kuti-becomes-the-first-african-artist-to-receive-a-grammys-lifetime-achievement-award/1420138
- https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/2/1/fela-kuti-becomes-first-african-to-get-grammys-lifetime-achievement-award
- https://www.france24.com/en/culture/20260131-fela-kuti-first-african-honored-grammys-lifetime-achievement-award-afrobeat
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