The Afrobeats legend earns the honor thanks to the politically charged album “Zombie.”
Nigerian musician and Afrobeats founding father Fela Kuti has been officially inducted into the 2025 Grammy Hall of Fame, recognized for his groundbreaking 1976 album “Zombie” with Afrika 70.
This posthumous honor marks the first time a Nigerian artist has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. The Recording Academy recognized the album as a “recording of qualitative or historical significance,” despite its being 49 years old.
Fela’s legacy lives on through his children, as his eldest son, Femi Kuti, accepted the award on behalf of the family. In a heartfelt message, he wrote:
“Our father’s legacy lives on. We are honoured to accept this Grammy Hall of Fame award on behalf of Fela Anikulapo‑Kuti. His music continues to inspire and unite people across the world.”
“Zombie” is lauded for its daring critique of Nigeria’s tyrannical military regime—a message that led to a violent raid on Fela’s Kalakuta Republic in 1977 and the tragic death of his mother, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti.
“Zombie” joins a prestigious lineup of 2025 inductees, including classic albums by Jay‑Z (“Reasonable Doubt”), Santana (“Supernatural”), Cat Stevens (“Tea for the Tillerman”), Emmylou Harris (“Wrecking Ball”), and Luther Vandross (“Never Too Much”).