Afrobeat icon Fela Anikulapo-Kuti was inducted into the 2025 Grammy Hall of Fame for his iconic 1976 album Zombie, some thirty years after his passing.
He is the first artist from Nigeria to receive this honor. The selection for this year’s Hall of Fame was made public by the Recording Academy, the organization that hosts the Grammy Awards.
By honoring works of “lasting qualitative or historical significance” that have endured, the Hall of Fame sets itself apart from other Grammy categories.
Since the “Zombie” album was one of the nominated works released during the previous 25 years, rather than more recent musical works, it deserved the honor for the late Afrobeat artist and his family.
The socio-political oriented album was recognized by the Grammys’ organizers, the Recording Academy of the United States, which honors exceptional musical accomplishments, for satisfying the requirements for records having enduring qualitative and historical significance.
Femi Kuti, the icon’s first son, shared the news on social media and said he was proud of his father’s legacy.
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 & unite people across the world 🌎 @recordingacademy #Grammy.”