Three decades after his death, Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti has reached a historic milestone, becoming the first African artist to receive a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

The legendary Nigerian musician, who passed away in 1997, was honoured posthumously at a ceremony in Los Angeles on Saturday, held on the eve of the 68th Annual Grammy Awards. He was recognised alongside several other global music figures. For members of Fela’s family and those closest to his legacy, the moment represents both celebration and reflection; a powerful acknowledgement of his impact that many feel came long after it was due.

Fela’s daughter, Yeni Kuti, described the family’s reaction as one of joy mixed with honesty. She said they were excited that his work is finally being recognised at the highest level, while also noting that Fela was never nominated for a Grammy during his lifetime. To her, the honour feels like a case of “better late than never,” but also a reminder that African artists still have a long journey toward equal recognition on the global stage.

Renowned Nigerian artist Lemi Ghariokwu, who designed 26 of Fela’s iconic album covers, said the moment highlights how much more effort African creatives often have to put in to be seen and celebrated internationally. He expressed pride at witnessing Fela become the first African to receive the honour, calling it meaningful to see one of their own acknowledged at such a prestigious level.

Ghariokwu admitted he was initially surprised by the news, especially given Fela’s lifelong resistance to authority and institutions. He pointed out the irony of an establishment honouring an artist who built his legacy on challenging power. Still, he imagined that Fela would have taken quiet satisfaction in knowing his voice and message ultimately commanded global attention.

“I can even picture him raising his fist and saying: ‘You see, I got them now, I got their attention!”

Despite the significance of the award, Yeni Kuti believes her father himself would not have been overly moved by it. She explained that Fela was never driven by trophies or formal recognition. Music, for him, was an expression of love, truth, and resistance, and what mattered most was being heard and understood by the people and by fellow artists.

That sentiment was echoed by Yemisi Ransome-Kuti, Fela’s cousin and head of the Kuti family, who said he was never concerned with public approval or industry validation. According to her, Fela was deeply focused on how his work could shape his profession, his community, and Africa as a whole.

While she believes the award may not have held personal meaning for him, Ransome-Kuti said Fela would have recognised its wider importance. He would have seen it as a positive step toward giving African excellence its rightful place on the global stage, while also asking what more needed to be done to shine a light on the many African philosophers, musicians, historians, and creatives whose contributions remain overlooked.

In many ways, the honour does more than celebrate Fela’s music – it reinforces the lasting power of his ideas, his courage, and his unwavering commitment to speaking truth, even decades after his voice fell silent.