Amanze Chinonye
President Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, following his posthumous recognition with the Recording Academy of America’s Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Prime Business Africa reports.
In a statement issued by the State House on Sunday, the President described Fela as more than a musician, portraying him as a fearless voice of the people whose music confronted injustice and reshaped global sound.
According to Tinubu, the late Afrobeat legend was a philosopher of freedom and a revolutionary force whose courage, creativity and conviction defined a generation and continue to inspire audiences across the world.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“Fela was more than a musician. He was a fearless voice of the people, a philosopher of freedom, and a revolutionary force whose music confronted injustice and reshaped global sound,” the President said.
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Tinubu noted that in Yoruba mythology, Fela has transcended to a higher plane as an Orisa, describing him as eternal.
The President also highlighted the significance of the Grammy honour, noting that Fela has become the first African to receive the Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award, albeit posthumously.
He said the award affirms Fela’s enduring global influence and the foundational role he played in the evolution of modern music, as well as Africa’s impact on the global soundscape.
“Fela defined Afrobeat, and you can hear and see his influence in generations of Nigerian musicians and in Afrobeats and beyond,” Tinubu stated.
Concluding the tribute, the President declared that Fela’s legacy remains alive through his music and the ideals he championed.
“Fela lives,” the statement read.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
