He Is Now Eternal – How Tinubu Reacted To Fela Kuti’s Record-Setting Grammy Award

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the international recognition of the late Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti, following his Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

The president described Fela as more than a music star, saying he was a bold voice for ordinary people, a deep thinker on freedom, and a strong force who used music to speak against injustice.

According to him, Fela’s work changed the sound of music around the world and pushed important messages that are still felt today.

Tinubu said that Fela’s bravery, talent and strong beliefs shaped his era and continue to inspire many across different countries.

He added that in line with Yoruba belief, Fela has moved to a higher spiritual level and has become eternal through his impact and legacy.

The president also pointed out that Fela became the first African to receive the Recording Academy of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award, even though it came after his death.

He said the honour confirms Fela’s lasting influence worldwide and the key role he played in placing African music on the global stage.

Tinubu stated that Fela created Afrobeat and that his sound and ideas can still be seen and heard in today’s Nigerian musicians, as well as in Afrobeats and other music styles across the world.

He stated that Fela’s spirit and influence remain alive through his music and the generations he continues to inspire.

He wrote: "FELA LIVES: FELA’S LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD 

"The world of music has honoured a giant: Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

"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. 

"His courage, creativity, and conviction defined a generation and continue to inspire the world. In Yoruba mythology, he has transcended to a higher plane as an Orisa. He is now eternal. 

"Fela Kuti has blazed the trail with the Recording Academy of America's Lifetime Achievement Award, becoming the first African to receive this honour, though posthumously.  The award is an affirmation of his enduring global influence and the foundational role he has played in the evolution and impact of Africa on modern music. 

"He defined Afrobeat, and you can hear and see his influence in generations of Nigerian musicians and in Afrobeats and beyond.

"Fela lives.

"Asiwaju President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR

"President, Federal Republic of Nigeria"