Fela Anikulapo-Kuti has posthumously received a significant honor, with his iconic 1976 album, Zombie, setting a new record at the Grammys
27 years after his death, the legacy Fela Kuti set with his revolutionary genre Afrobeats has continued to live on with it continuously receiving acknowledgement from the international scene.
One of such recognition came when Fela Kuti with his 1976 album, ‘Zombie’ became the first and only Nigerian album to be inducted in the Grammys Hall of Fame.
The Recording Academy, the organization behind the Grammy Awards, included Zombie in its latest Hall of Fame selections.
Unlike other Grammy categories, the Hall of Fame specifically acknowledges recordings deemed to possess “lasting qualitative or historical significance” and that have demonstrated enduring impact. To be eligible, recordings must be at least 25 years old.
Fela Kuti’s eldest son, Femi Kuti, accepted the award on behalf of the Kuti family, expressing his gratitude. He shared on X, “Our father’s legacy lives on. We are honoured to accept this Grammy Hall of Fame award on behalf of Fela Anikulapo Kuti. His music continues to inspire and unite people across the world.”
Almost thirty years after his passing, Fela Kuti remains a profoundly influential figure, widely remembered for his powerful musical commentary on Nigerian societal issues. Zombie now stands among other celebrated entries in the Grammy Hall of Fame, joining albums by artists such as Jay-Z, Santana, and Cat Stevens.
