Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti has been posthumously inducted into the 2025 Grammy Hall of Fame for his politically charged 1976 album, 'Zombie'. This marks a significant milestone, as Kuti becomes the first Nigerian artist to receive this honor.
The announcement came from the Recording Academy, organizers of the Grammy Awards, as part of the 2025 Hall of Fame inductees. The award recognizes recordings that are at least 25 years old and have "lasting qualitative or historical significance."
The Academy stated that 'Zombie' was selected for its fearless critique of oppression, cultural impact, and enduring relevance to political resistance and African musical heritage. Fela's son, Femi Kuti, expressed the family's excitement on X, highlighting the enduring legacy of his father's music.
Originally released in Nigeria in 1976, 'Zombie' is considered one of Fela's most impactful albums. It satirized the Nigerian military, likening soldiers to mindless "zombies."
The album's success led to a violent state-backed assault on Fela's Lagos commune, Kalakuta Republic, in 1977. This event deepened Fela's reputation as a fearless musical dissenter.
Fela's induction places 'Zombie' alongside legendary works by artists like Michael Jackson and Jay-Z. Music scholars and fans see this as a long-overdue recognition of Fela's influence on world music and political thought.
Fela, who died in 1997, is credited with creating Afrobeat, a genre blending jazz, highlife, and traditional African rhythms with political commentary. His music inspired generations of artists and activists.
The Grammy Hall of Fame induction adds to a growing list of posthumous accolades for Fela Kuti. He was a saxophonist, composer, and bandleader whose music consistently challenged corruption and authoritarianism.