President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to the late Afrobeat icon, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, following his posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy of America.
In a statement released by the Presidency, Tinubu described Fela as far more than a musician, portraying him as a bold advocate for the masses, a freedom philosopher, and a revolutionary whose music challenged oppression and transformed global musical culture.
The President said Fela’s bravery, originality and unwavering principles shaped an era and continue to resonate with audiences across the world.
Drawing from Yoruba spiritual belief, Tinubu added that Fela has ascended to a higher realm as an Orisa, ensuring that his legacy remains timeless.
He noted that the award underscores Fela’s lasting global impact and recognises his pioneering contribution to modern music, stressing that he was the first African to receive the prestigious honour.
Fela Kuti, the creator of Afrobeat, still influences generations of Nigerian and international artistes, with his musical fingerprints evident in Afrobeats and other contemporary genres worldwide.
“Fela lives,” President Tinubu declared.
