The legendary musician Fela Kuti has been awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammys. He is the first African to get the award. A Grammy award recognises outstanding achievements in music. Kuti died in 1997, but he left an amazing legacy. Kuti's daughter told Al Jazeera that the award was "better late than never". She said "we still have a way to go" to recognise musicians from Africa. 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 was a singer, musician, and bandleader. He revolutionized African music. He pioneered the Afrobeat music genre. This mixed traditional rhythms, jazz, and funk to make a powerful, dynamic sound. He was an amazing live performer. He toured the world many times. His concerts were a celebration of rhythm, African identity, and freedom. Fela fought against corruption, military dictatorship, and colonial influence. Because of this, he was arrested, beaten, and imprisoned. However, 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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