He Was More Than A Musician

President Tinubu Acknowledges Fela Kuti’s Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the global recognition bestowed upon the late Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, following his posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

In his remarks, Tinubu emphasized that Fela transcended the role of a mere music star, characterizing him as a courageous advocate for the marginalized. He highlighted Fela’s profound reflections on freedom and activism, which he conveyed through his music in the fight against injustice.

The president noted that Fela’s contributions revolutionized music worldwide and resonated with significant socio-political messages that endure today. “His bravery, talent, and unwavering beliefs shaped his era and continue to inspire people across nations,” Tinubu stated.

In alignment with Yoruba beliefs, Tinubu remarked that Fela has ascended to a higher spiritual realm, achieving a form of eternal presence through his impactful legacy. He acknowledged that Fela was the first African artist to receive the Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award, a recognition that came posthumously.

“This honor underscores Fela’s enduring influence on a global scale and his pivotal role in elevating African music internationally,” Tinubu said.

He further noted that Fela is credited with creating Afrobeat, a genre whose elements and philosophies are evident in the works of contemporary Nigerian musicians as well as in the broader Afrobeats movement around the world.

Tinubu concluded by asserting that Fela’s spirit and lasting impact remain vibrant through his music and the countless generations he continues to inspire.

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