“Fela Was More Than Music,” Tinubu Says as Afrobeat Legend Receives Grammy Lifetime Honor
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid tribute to Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti following the global recognition of the late icon with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Reacting to the honor, Tinubu described Fela as a figure whose influence went far beyond melodies and rhythms, calling him a powerful voice of resistance, African pride, and cultural awakening.
According to the President, the Grammy recognition is not only a celebration of Fela’s musical genius but also an acknowledgment of his lifelong role as a social critic, activist, and cultural symbol who shaped conversations about justice, governance, and identity in Nigeria and across the world.
Tinubu noted that Fela’s legacy cannot be measured by songs alone. He said the Afrobeat legend represented a movement that challenged authority, confronted injustice, and promoted African consciousness at a time when many were afraid to speak. He emphasized that Fela used music as a tool to question systems of power and amplify the voices of ordinary people.
The Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award is reserved for artists whose contributions have had lasting global impact. Fela’s inclusion in this category places him among world legends whose works changed the course of music history. For many Nigerians, the award represents long-awaited international validation of a man whose artistry once faced resistance, censorship, and persecution at home.
Fela Anikulapo Kuti created Afrobeat by blending highlife, jazz, funk, and traditional African rhythms into a sound that was both unique and revolutionary. But beyond the sound, his music carried strong messages about corruption, oppression, inequality, and the need for societal reform.
Through his lyrics and performances, Fela turned stages into platforms for activism. Tinubu acknowledged this fearless spirit, stating that Fela’s courage laid a foundation for freedom of expression in Nigeria’s creative industry today. He remarked that Fela paid a personal price for speaking truth to power, enduring arrests, harassment, and violent raids on his Kalakuta Republic commune. Despite these hardships, he remained committed to his message.
The President added that history is now honoring Fela for the sacrifices he made in the pursuit of justice and cultural pride. He said Fela’s resilience continues to inspire generations of artists who now enjoy greater creative freedom because of the path he helped clear.
Fela’s influence has spread far beyond Nigeria. Today, Afrobeat and Afrobeats sounds dominate global music charts, and many international artists openly acknowledge the impact of Fela’s work on their own music. From contemporary African stars to global pop icons, the rhythm and spirit of Afrobeat can be traced back to the innovation of Fela.
Tinubu highlighted that the global success of modern African music is deeply connected to Fela’s pioneering efforts. He explained that Fela’s music opened doors for African sounds to be respected and embraced internationally, long before the current wave of global recognition for African artists.
The Grammy honor has sparked renewed interest in Fela’s music among younger generations. Streaming platforms and social media discussions show a growing curiosity about his life, philosophy, and songs. Many young people are discovering that Fela’s music remains relevant decades after it was first released.
Beyond politics and activism, Fela was also a champion of African identity. His fashion, stage presence, language, and lifestyle promoted pride in African heritage. He encouraged people to reject colonial mentality and embrace their roots confidently. Tinubu noted that Fela helped redefine how African culture is viewed around the world.
For Nigeria, this Grammy recognition is a moment of national pride. It serves as a reminder of the country’s deep cultural influence and the global impact of its creative talents. Many stakeholders in the music and cultural sectors have described the award as a call to preserve and promote Fela’s legacy through education, museums, and artistic programs.
Fela’s songs continue to resonate because the issues he addressed governance, inequality, corruption, and social justice remain part of everyday conversations.
Tinubu’s reflection suggested that leaders and citizens alike can still learn from the messages embedded in Fela’s music.
As the world celebrates Fela Anikulapo Kuti with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, the President’s words capture what many believe to be true: Fela was far more than a musician. He was a revolutionary thinker, a cultural architect, and a fearless advocate for truth whose voice still echoes through time.
The Grammy recognition may be global, but for Nigerians, it is deeply personal. It is a tribute to a legend whose music continues to inspire pride, courage, and consciousness across generations.
