Afrobeat musician Femi Kuti has reacted to the posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award presented to his father, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, describing it as long-overdue recognition for an artist who never compromised his beliefs.
Speaking during an interview with ARISE News in Los Angeles, Femi said the family was surprised when the Recording Academy informed them of the honour.
“I was surprised, because they called us to tell us he was going to receive it and we were like… well I was shocked. And I was like, wow. Then it was awesome, good feeling. I’ve always known my father was a genius, I’ve always respected and adored him,” he said.
At the ceremony, the Academy announced:
“The honour is all ours to present a Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award to Fela Kuti. Accepting on his behalf are his children, Femi, Yeni and Kunle Kuti.”
Reflecting on his father’s musical depth, Femi said Fela stood shoulder to shoulder with the world’s greatest composers, even though he never aligned with mainstream trends.
“Growing up his music was always special. We love reggae, we love funk, jazz, but coming back to listen to him, I felt he was on the same level as any great composer or artist at that time,” he said.
According to him, Fela’s influence was global, but his path was independent.
“He had great influence with mainstream musicians. He’s just — he was never mainstream. I would say he didn’t participate. He was more focused on probably what he wanted to achieve, musically.”
Femi said the Grammy honour proves that staying true to one’s principles can still earn global respect.
“So, it was fantastic news that, wow, a man that stood by his own rules is rewarded.”
He also described the recognition as a major moment for Africa, noting that Fela became one of the first African musicians to receive the lifetime honour.
“Many Africans have done quite well in the music scene. So for him to be the first musician from Africa to be awarded, it’s a great deal for us and for them,” he said.
Highlighting Fela’s global reach, Femi added:
“They must have sat down to say, he deserves it, he deserves it… Beyoncé admires him, Jay-Z. Hip hop was influenced by him. So hardly any great musician, past and present, that has not heard or was influenced by his music.”
Responding to critics who question the recognition, he said bluntly:
“And if anybody is complaining, go and create your own award.”
Fela’s daughter, Yeni Kuti, also spoke about the significance of the moment.
“I’m so happy that Fela, who has always represented Africa, not just Nigeria, but Africa, has received this award,” she said.
She added that the honour should inspire young creatives across the continent.
“It’s just a statement to African young up-and-coming artists — do what’s going to go on after our lifetime. That’s what we need to do so that our legacy continues.”
Addressing ongoing comparisons between Fela and modern artists, Femi said history will be the ultimate judge.
“Anybody who feels they are greater than Fela, let the person be. Time will tell. For me, Fela is the greatest.”
Yeni echoed that view, saying:
“Don’t compare chalk and cheese. Fela is a legend, give him his flowers. Compare yourself with your peers, and leave our legends alone.”
For the Kuti family, the Grammy honour is more than a trophy. It is, as Femi described, proof that a man who lived, created, and fought by his own rules has now been recognised on the world’s biggest music stage.