President Tinubu Commends Fela Kuti’s Enduring Legacy Following Grammy Honor
President Bola Tinubu has paid tribute to the late Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti, following his posthumous receipt of the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Tinubu described Fela as more than a musician, emphasizing his role as a fearless advocate for the people, a philosopher of freedom, and a revolutionary voice challenging injustice through his artistry.
In a statement issued Sunday in Abuja, the president highlighted that Fela’s courage, creativity, and conviction have defined a generation and continue to inspire audiences globally.
He noted that Fela’s legacy has transcended time, rendering him culturally and spiritually eternally relevant.
The president also recognized that Fela was the first African to be honored with the Recording Academy of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award, awarded posthumously, affirming his lasting global impact and significant influence on modern African music.
Tinubu stated that Fela’s creation of Afrobeat remains influential, with his impact evident across successive generations of Nigerian musicians and in the broader realms of Afrobeats and international music.
“He defined Afrobeat, and his influence can be seen and heard across generations of Nigerian artists and beyond the continent.”
The president concluded by affirming, “Fela lives,” encapsulating his enduring legacy.
