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Fela Kuti to Receive Posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award at 2026 Grammys

Phinadon Mag

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Quick Summary:
Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti will be posthumously awarded the 2026 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his global influence as the architect of Afrobeat and a voice for social change.

The Recording Academy has announced that Fela Anikulapo Kuti, the legendary Nigerian musician and creator of Afrobeat, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Grammy Awards, making him the first African artist ever to receive this distinction.

The announcement, made on December 19, 2025, described Fela as the “architect of Afrobeat” whose music transcended entertainment to become a powerful instrument of political resistance and cultural identity.

Key Details of the Recognition

The Honorees

Fela will be celebrated alongside global icons Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, Cher, Paul Simon, and Carlos Santana as part of the 2026 Special Merit Award honorees.

The Ceremony

The Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented during the Special Merit Awards ceremony on January 31, 2026, in Los Angeles, ahead of the 68th Annual Grammy Awards on February 1.

Double Honor

This recognition follows the induction of Fela’s 1976 classic album, Zombie, into the 2025 Grammy Hall of Fame earlier this year — the first Nigerian album to achieve that honor.

Together, these milestones cement Fela’s enduring influence on global music and his role as a trailblazer for African artistry on the world stage.

Family Reaction

Fela’s sons, Femi and Seun Kuti, who have collectively earned eight Grammy nominations, expressed deep pride in their father’s recognition.

Femi Kuti described the award as a “continuation of Fela’s mission to inspire and unite people across the world through truth and rhythm.”

Seun Kuti added that the honor reflects the timeless relevance of Afrobeat, a genre that continues to shape global music and activism nearly three decades after Fela’s passing.

Global Influence

Fela Kuti’s legacy extends far beyond music. His fearless activism against corruption and authoritarianism in Nigeria made him a symbol of resistance and freedom across Africa and beyond.

Artists from Beyoncé to Coldplay, Erykah Badu, and Burna Boy have cited Fela as a creative and ideological influence, while his Kalakuta Republic philosophy continues to inspire movements for social justice and artistic independence.

The FelaGrammyHonor2026 not only celebrates his musical genius but also acknowledges his global cultural impact — a legacy that continues to resonate through generations of artists and activists.

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Police arrest Bauchi man accused of poisoning motorcyclist and stealing his bike.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command have arrested a 27-year-old man, Isiyaka Badamasi, for allegedly poisoning a commercial motorcyclist in an attempt to steal his motorcycle.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, Badamasi and his alleged accomplice, Ma’aruf Sani, reportedly offered a 21-year-old motorcyclist a sweet containing a harmful substance. The victim, who resides in the Yelwa Tudun area of Bauchi, allegedly became intoxicated after consuming it.

The suspects were said to have attempted to dispossess him of his Bajaj Boxer motorcycle. However, the victim raised an alarm after sensing danger, attracting members of the public who apprehended Badamasi. Sani, both of whose residents are reportedly from Na’ibawa in Kano State, escaped and is currently the subject of a police manhunt.

The victim was taken to Gamuwa Primary Health Care Centre, where he remains on admission and is responding to treatment.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation. The command also urged residents to remain vigilant and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

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Entertainment

Lojay: My uncle told me I would never succeed in music.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Nigerian singer Lojay has revealed that he faced significant opposition when he decided to pursue a career in music, including doubts from members of his family.

Speaking during a recent livestream with content creator Gilmore, the “Monalisa” hitmaker recalled that one of his wealthy and influential uncles, who is now involved in politics, told him he would never succeed in the music industry.

“I have an uncle who is now in politics. I won’t mention his name, but he is very rich and popular. When I wanted to start music, he told me I would never blow,” Lojay said.

Despite the discouragement, the singer remained committed to his ambition and used the criticism as motivation. He expressed satisfaction that his perseverance had eventually produced positive results.

Lojay also encouraged his fans to remain confident in their dreams and avoid allowing negative opinions to define their ambitions.

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News

Benue Police Deny Withdrawal of Mobile Personnel from Ayilamo.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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The Nigeria Police Command in Benue State has dismissed reports alleging that Mobile Police personnel were withdrawn from Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area.

In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Orchia Aondogwu, the report was described as unfounded and baseless. He stated that Mobile Police personnel remained deployed in Ayilamo alongside the Divisional Police team and other tactical units.

Aondogwu also said additional military personnel had been deployed to reinforce security in the area, urging the public to disregard the report.

However, the traditional ruler of Ayilamo, Mue Ter, Chief Torkoer Samuel, contradicted the police account. He claimed that the Mobile Police personnel left the community on Wednesday with their equipment and Armoured Personnel Carriers.

The conflicting accounts have raised questions about the current security situation in Ayilamo and the extent of military presence in the community.

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