Fela Anikulapo-Kuti Enters Grammy Hall of Fame Posthumously
An artist may die, but their music lives on — and no one embodies that more than Fela Anikulapo-Kuti , the legendary founder of Afrobeat.
Twenty-eight years after his passing, Fela’s iconic 1976 album Zombie has been inducted into the 2025 Grammy Hall of Fame , cementing his place among global musical icons.
The announcement was made by the Recording Academy , which selects recordings at least 25 years old that have “lasting qualitative or historical significance.”
Zombie was praised for its “fearless critique of oppression, cultural impact, and enduring relevance to political resistance and African musical heritage.”
Femi Kuti Celebrates Father’s Grammy Induction
Reacting to the news, Fela’s eldest son and fellow Afrobeat musician, Femi Kuti , shared the family’s joy on social media:
“Our father’s legacy lives on. We are honored to accept this Grammy Hall of Fame award on behalf of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. His music continues to inspire & unite people across the world. #Grammy”
The Story Behind Zombie : A Musical Rebellion
Originally released in Nigeria in 1976 under Coconut Records and later in the UK by Creole Records in 1977 , Zombie is widely regarded as one of Fela’s most powerful and provocative albums.
Tracks like Zombie , Mister Follow Follow , and Observation Is No Crime were sharp critiques of military rule in Nigeria, mocking soldiers who blindly followed orders like mindless zombies.
Its bold message struck a nerve with the ruling regime.
In 1977, the Nigerian army launched a brutal attack on Fela’s communal compound, Kalakuta Republic , destroying his studio and beating him severely.
His mother, Chief Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti , was thrown from a window and later died from her injuries.
This tragic event only strengthened Fela’s reputation as a fearless critic of authoritarianism.
Joining Legends Like Michael Jackson and Jay-Z
With this induction, Zombie now stands alongside timeless works from artists like Michael Jackson, Jay-Z, Cat Stevens, and Santana in the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Music scholars and fans describe the recognition as long overdue, acknowledging Fela’s influence not just on African music, but on global activism and sound.
He pioneered Afrobeat , blending jazz, highlife, and traditional African rhythms with fierce political commentary — a legacy continued today by artists like Seun Kuti , Burna Boy , Questlove , and even Beyoncé .
A Legacy That Never Dies
Fela passed away in 1997 , but his cultural footprint grows stronger with time.
He has already been celebrated through documentaries, biographies, and the acclaimed Broadway show Fela! .
Now, this Grammy Hall of Fame honor adds another milestone to his extraordinary life — a life spent fighting corruption, colonialism, and dictatorship through music.
Despite arrests, beatings, and property destruction by military regimes, Fela never backed down.
His music still speaks truth to power.
Call to Action: Share Your Thoughts!
What does Fela’s Grammy Hall of Fame induction mean to you? How has his music inspired you or others?
💬 Leave a comment below and join the celebration of Fela’s enduring legacy.
📢 Don’t forget to share this tribute to Fela and help spread awareness about his global impact on music and politics.
About the author
Adenta Building Collapse Linked to Illegal Construction and Ignored Stop-Work Orders
A preliminary investigation into the collapse of a three-storey building at Adenta New Site in the Greater Accra Region has revealed that the project was carried out without the required regulatory approvals and in defiance of official stop-work directives issued by local authorities. The findings were released by a Joint Technical Investigative Committee comprising structural engineering experts and representatives from the Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE), the Institution of Engineering and Technology, Ghana (IET-Gh), and the Architecture Registration Council (ARC). According to the committee, the incident highlights serious violations of Ghana’s building regulations and raises concerns about compliance and enforcement within the construction sector. The building collapsed on June 3, 2026, trapping five occupants beneath the debris. The victims included three adults and two children. Rescue teams successfully pulled four individuals from the rubble alive and transported them to the […]
Kpandai Residents Encouraged to Promote Unity and Peace for Sustainable Development
Residents of Kpandai in the Northern Region have been encouraged to put aside tribal, linguistic and political differences and work collectively toward the development of their communities. The call was made by the Parish Priest of St. Kizito Parish, Rev. Fr. Moses Nseaminya, during the launch of the St. Kizito Parish Feast, Partnership and Cultural Day Celebration. The event seeks to promote peace, social cohesion and stronger relationships among the various ethnic groups living within the district. Speaking during the launch, Rev. Fr. Nseaminya emphasized that diversity should be viewed as a strength that can drive development rather than a source of conflict and division. He noted that although residents come from different cultural backgrounds and hold varying political views, they all share a common goal of improving the welfare and future of Kpandai. According to the parish priest, meaningful […]
ECG Explains Power Outages in Greater Accra and Western Regions Following Technical Faults
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has attributed ongoing power interruptions in parts of the Greater Accra and Western regions to separate technical faults affecting its distribution network. In a statement issued on Monday, June 8, 2026, the power distributor said a technical fault at the Nsawam Primary Station has disrupted electricity supply to several communities within the Accra West operational area. The affected communities include Hebron, Medie, Samsam, Satellite, Koleman and nearby areas, where residents have been experiencing intermittent power outages. According to ECG, engineering teams have been deployed to the station and are actively working to identify and rectify the fault to restore stable electricity supply as quickly as possible. Meanwhile, in the Western Region, a broken high-tension (HT) electricity pole at Ankasa has caused a separate power disruption, affecting multiple towns and communities across the area. Communities […]
Burkina Faso forme 8 000 jeunes VDP agricoles pour renforcer l’autosuffisance alimentaire
La cérémonie officielle de sortie de la 3e cohorte des Volontaires pour la Défense de la Patrie (VDP) agricoles et de fin de formation de 8 000 jeunes en entrepreneuriat agricole s’est tenue le 5 juin 2026 à l’École nationale de formation agricole (ENAFA) de Matourkou. L’initiative s’inscrit dans le cadre de l’Initiative présidentielle pour l’agriculture et l’autosuffisance alimentaire, portée par les autorités burkinabè. Cette formation vise à renforcer les capacités des jeunes dans le secteur agricole tout en les impliquant dans une dynamique de production locale et de souveraineté alimentaire. Une jeunesse formée entre agriculture, civisme et engagement citoyen Le directeur exécutif du Bureau national des grands projets du Burkina Faso, Hamidou Sawadogo, a salué l’engagement des bénéficiaires. Selon lui, le programme traduit la volonté des autorités de transformer durablement le secteur agricole afin de réduire la dépendance alimentaire […]
Clément Zongo dédicace trois ouvrages littéraires à Ouagadougou
Le journaliste-chroniqueur burkinabè Clément Zongo a procédé, le 6 juin 2026 à Ouagadougou, à la dédicace de trois ouvrages intitulés La fille aux cheveux châtains, Les Chroniques de Clément Zongo et Juste un coup de plume. La cérémonie, organisée dans la grande salle du Centre national des arts du spectacle et de l’audiovisuel (CENASA), a réuni des acteurs du monde culturel, des professionnels des médias ainsi que de nombreux passionnés de littérature. De son vrai nom Alexis Yaméogo, Clément Zongo est titulaire d’une maîtrise en sciences et techniques de l’information et de la communication. Conseiller des affaires culturelles, il s’est distingué au fil des années grâce à plusieurs récompenses obtenues dans le domaine littéraire. Un roman consacré à la lutte contre les préjugés liés à l’albinisme Parmi les œuvres présentées figure La fille aux cheveux châtains, un roman qui aborde […]
Three Rescued as Rescue Teams Search for Trapped Victims After North Industrial Area Building Collapse
Rescue teams are continuing efforts to locate and extract individuals believed to be trapped beneath the rubble of a collapsed building in Accra’s North Industrial Area following a structural failure that has left several people injured. According to Alex King Nartey of the Ghana National Fire Service's communications team, three people have so far been rescued from the scene and are currently receiving medical treatment. However, emergency responders fear that at least three more individuals may still be trapped under the debris. Speaking at the site, Mr. Nartey explained that rescue operations have been slowed by the absence of earth-moving equipment needed to remove large sections of collapsed concrete and debris safely. He disclosed that the Fire Service has requested assistance from the military, while the Mayor of Accra has also facilitated the deployment of heavy machinery to support the […]
Related
Blood Sisters 2: Daniel Etim-Effiong was professional in intimate scene – Kate Henshaw
Actress Kate Henshaw has shared details about filming an intimate scene with actor Daniel Etim-Effiong in Blood Sisters 2, praising the actor for remaining professional throughout the shoot. Speaking with Chude Jideonwo on his show, Henshaw addressed the public interest in the scene and explained how it was handled on set with clear communication and professionalism. "My character was topless while we were shooting the sex scene and at no point did Daniel get an erection," she revealed, emphasizing the professional nature of the filming. Henshaw emphasized that communication was crucial during the filming process and noted that Etim-Effiong remained reassuring throughout. The actress highlighted how the actor conducted himself professionally, maintaining proper boundaries and focusing on the creative aspects of the scene rather than any personal elements. The intimate scene from Blood Sisters 2 has generated significant discussion, with […]
Clarion Chukwurah pays tribute to late actor Kola Oyewo
Veteran actress Clarion Chukwurah has joined Nigeria's entertainment industry in mourning the death of Professor Kola Oyewo, a distinguished actor, scholar, and one of the finest Yoruba theatre artists, who passed away at the age of 80. With heavy hearts, the Nigerian creative community has bid farewell to Professor Kola Oyewo, whose contributions to Yoruba Nollywood and the broader theatre landscape left an indelible mark on the industry. Chukwurah, a celebrated actress herself, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the veteran performer who was known for his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft. Actor Kunle Afod's emotional tribute to the late actor moved many in the industry, with Afod declaring: "We lost a legend" as the creative community mourned yet another giant of Yoruba cinema. The tribute highlighted Oyewo's significant impact on Nigerian entertainment and his enduring legacy […]
Mr P reveals how he created hit single “I Can’t Look Away”
Nigerian music icon Mr. P, formerly of the legendary Psquare duo, has shared the creative journey behind his most anticipated single "I Can't Look Away," which has become a hit across streaming platforms since its release. The track is built on pulsating Afropop rhythms and playful lyricism, celebrating the theme of irresistible attraction and the feeling of being completely captivated by someone. Mr. P captured this feeling with effortless charm, infectious melodies, and a groove designed for movement that resonates with listeners. "I Can't Look Away" tells the story of a woman whose presence commands attention wherever she goes, so captivating that looking away becomes almost impossible. From the first verse to the final chorus, Mr. P leans into admiration, desire, and the exhilarating confusion that comes with being completely captivated by someone. The song was released on all streaming […]
Nigerian music’s impact on socio-political terrain
Beyond entertainment, Nigerian musicians have consistently used their platforms to question policies, highlight the struggles of ordinary people, and influence the country's socio-political discourse since the independence era. Nigerian music has evolved into a powerful vehicle for social commentary and political activism, with artists leveraging their melodies, rhythms and lyrics to address governance issues, corruption, economic hardships and social injustices that have shaped Nigeria's complex political landscape. The tradition of socially conscious music in Nigeria stretches back to the legendary Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, who famously declared music as "a weapon to inspire change for a better future" and used his art to challenge political oppression and advocate for social reform. Fela's influence on Nigerian music as a tool for political activism remains unmistakable and continues to inspire modern artists. Contemporary Nigerian musicians continue this legacy, with artists like Lagbaja, Made Kuti […]
“Don’t be daft” – Mofe Duncan faults Daddy Freeze’s remarks on Alex Ekubo’s service of songs
Actor Mofe Duncan has come out strongly to criticize Daddy Freeze's inappropriate comments about the late actor Alexx Ekubo's Service of Songs, telling the media personality to "not be daft" and reminding him that the event was not meant for celebration. Daddy Freeze, who attended the service while wearing black despite the white dress code specified in the invitation, faces backlash for his attire and his remarks about why he didn't see any reason to celebrate at the event. The media personality, Ifedayo Olarinde, better known as Daddy Freeze, apologized for wearing black to the Service of Songs of late actor Alexx Ekubo, explaining that it was not intentional as he received an invitation card with a code he scanned before attending. He claimed he was unaware of the dress code because the information was placed in a corner of […]
Rema, LISA and Anitta perform “Goals” at World Cup 2026 opening ceremony
Nigerian singer Rema, K-pop star LISA from BLACKPINK, and Brazilian singer-songwriter Anitta performed their new single "Goals" at the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Los Angeles, California. The spectacular performance took place at SoFi Stadium ahead of the tournament's opening match between France and Canada, bringing together music and football culture from three continents. Fans experienced the energy of LISA, Anitta and Rema during the spectacular opening ceremony at Los Angeles Stadium, watching the full performance online and experiencing the music, culture and excitement that helped launch football's greatest tournament. Rema, the Nigerian rapper, shared an incredible experience performing with LISA and Anitta at the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Instagram. The trio performed "Goals" live - the song they created specifically for the FIFA World Cup - marking a groundbreaking moment […]