Fela Kuti Grammy Hall of Fame induction confirmed for his 1976 classic “Zombie.” The afrobeat legend is honoured posthumously by the Recording Academy

Fela Kuti Grammy Hall of Fame induction has officially been announced by the Recording Academy, honouring the legendary Nigerian afrobeat pioneer for his classic 1976 protest album, “Zombie.”

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The recognition was confirmed by Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, alongside Michael Sticka, President/CEO of the Grammy Museum, via the Academy’s official “X” (formerly Twitter) handle.

This marks Fela’s most prestigious posthumous international music honour to date.

“We are honoured to accept this Grammy Hall of Fame award on behalf of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. His music continues to inspire & unite people across the world,” said his son, Femi Kuti, in a heartfelt Instagram post.

Originally released in 1976 by Coconut Records, Zombie was a daring, politically charged album.

With the help of his band, Afrika 70, Fela used the music to satirize the Nigerian military regime, portraying soldiers as mindless followers.

It triggered massive backlash at the time but solidified his status as an unapologetic social crusader.

Fela, popularly known as the “Abami Eda” (The Strange One), was nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2021 but didn’t make the final cut.

His Grammy Hall of Fame induction now corrects that historical oversight.

The Grammy Hall of Fame honours recordings that are at least 25 years old and exhibit qualitative or historical significance.

Fela’s Zombie joins a curated list of influential works that have shaped global music.

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This induction reinforces the global reach of Afrobeat and acknowledges the revolutionary impact of Fela’s music not just in Nigeria but across the world.