Fela Anikulapo-Kuti was posthumously awarded the Grammy
Legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti has been posthumously awarded a Grammy, marking a historic global recognition of his music and legacy. The global spotlight returned to the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles this Sunday, February 1, 2026, as the music industry’s elite gathered for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards. Central to the night’s narrative was the intense competition in the African categories, where Burna Boy, Davido and Ayra Starr Grammy glory served as the primary focal point for fans across the continent.
This year’s ceremony felt particularly historic, not just for the active contenders, but for the long-overdue recognition of the genre’s roots, marking a definitive era where African sounds are no longer a peripheral interest but a core pillar of the Recording Academy’s global vision.
The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as Nigeria’s biggest stars led a formidable continental charge. With the expansion of the “Best African Music Performance” category, the Academy has provided a dedicated platform for the diverse rhythms of Afrobeats, Amapiano, and African pop, ensuring that the nuances of these genres are celebrated on their own merit.
The Battle for Best African Music Performance
The competition in the Best African Music Performance category was perhaps the most diverse in its short history, featuring a mix of veteran “Big Three” members and the “New School” vanguard.
- Burna Boy: Entering the night as the highest-nominated African artist in this cycle, the “City Boy” sought to add to his trophy cabinet with his soulful hit “Love.” This nomination brought his career total to a staggering 13 nods, reinforcing his status as a Recording Academy favorite.
- Davido and Omah Lay: The duo’s tender, chart-topping collaboration “With You” offered a strong challenge, representing the melodic and emotional side of contemporary Afrobeats that dominated airwaves throughout 2025.
- Ayra Starr and Wizkid: The “Celestial Being” and the “Starboy” teamed up for the infectious “Gimme Dat.” For Ayra Starr, this second nomination served as a powerful reassurance of her meteoric rise, while Wizkid aimed to add a second Grammy to his legacy.
- Tyla: The South African sensation, who won the inaugural award in 2024, returned to defend her title with “PUSH 2 START,” a track that leveraged her signature Amapiano-pop fusion to dominate the Billboard Afrobeats charts for 20 non-consecutive weeks.
A Legacy Honored: Fela Kuti’s Lifetime Achievement
While the modern stars vied for new statues, the Academy paused to pay the ultimate tribute to the progenitor of the movement. In a move that drew widespread praise, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti was posthumously awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. This historic milestone marks the first time an African artist has received this specific honor.
The Recording Academy cited Fela’s “fearless voice” and his role as the creator of the Afrobeat genre, noting his profound influence on modern global icons ranging from Beyoncé to Paul McCartney. The recognition of Fela Kuti almost three decades after his passing was seen by many as a formal apology for the decades of neglect toward African musical pioneers.
Global Reach and Future Prospects
Beyond the African-specific categories, Burna Boy also contested for Best Global Music Album with his project No Sign of Weakness, competing against legends like Youssou N’Dour. The presence of Nigerian-American artist Shaboozey in the country categories further illustrated the borderless nature of modern music, as he earned nods for “Good News” and “Amen.”
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As the winners emerged throughout the night, the takeaway remained clear: African music has moved from “World Music” curiosity to a dominant force. Whether it was the raw energy of Burna Boy, the polished pop of Ayra Starr, or the rhythmic mastery of Tyla, the 2026 Grammys proved that the continent’s artists are no longer just guests at the table they are setting the menu.