By Micah Jonah, February 2, 2026
Former Nigerian Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has celebrated the late Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Aníkúlápó Kuti following the award of a Grammy Lifetime Achievement honour, describing the recognition as a fitting tribute to a cultural icon whose legacy remains enduring.
In a message shared on his Facebook page, Atiku praised Fela as “unforgettable, iconic, irrepressible and a trailblazer,” referring to him by his revered appellation, Abami Eda, and his self given name Aníkúlápó, meaning “one who carries death in his pouch.”
Atiku said the Grammy recognition underscores Fela’s lasting influence on music, activism and global consciousness, noting that his work transcended entertainment to become a powerful voice against injustice and oppression.
Fela Kuti, who died in 1997, is widely regarded as the creator of Afrobeat, a genre that blends traditional African rhythms with jazz, funk and highlife. His music and outspoken political stance continue to inspire artists and movements across generations.
The Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to performers who, during their lifetimes, have made creative contributions of outstanding artistic significance to the field of recording.
