Fela’s Zombie Becomes First Nigerian Album Inducted Into Grammy Hall of Fame.
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Fela’s Zombie Becomes First Nigerian Album Inducted Into Grammy Hall of Fame.
Legendary Afrobeat musician Fela Anikulapo-Kuti has made history as the first Nigerian artist to have an album inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. His 1976 record Zombie was recognized by the Recording Academ
y in its 2025 class of inductees.
This prestigious honor, coming nearly three decades after Fela’s passing in 1997, celebrates recordings that are at least 25 years old and have lasting historical or cultural impact. In announcing the selection, the Academy described Zombie as a powerful critique of oppression and a work of enduring relevance, both musically and politically.
Fela’s eldest son, Femi Kuti, reacted to the news on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Our father’s legacy lives on. We are honoured to accept this Grammy Hall of Fame award on his behalf. His music continues to inspire and unite people around the world.”
Originally released in Nigeria through Coconut Records and in the UK by Creole Records, Zombie is considered one of Fela’s most provocative albums. The title track likens Nigerian soldiers to “zombies” blindly following orders, and the album also includes notable songs like Mister Follow Follow, Observation Is No Crime, and Mistake the latter recorded live at the 1978 Berlin Jazz Festival.
The album’s bold political stance led to a violent reaction from the Nigerian military government. In 1977, soldiers raided Fela’s home and commune, the Kalakuta Republic, brutally assaulting him, destroying his studio and master tapes, and causing the death of his mother, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, a prominent activist, after she was thrown from a window.
The incident cemented Fela’s status as an outspoken critic of authoritarianism and a symbol of resistance. His music and activism have influenced generations of artists and human rights advocates, from his sons Seun and Femi Kuti to international stars like Burna Boy, Questlove, and Beyoncé.
Fela’s induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame places Zombie alongside iconic works by artists such as Michael Jackson, Jay-Z, and Santana. It is widely regarded as a long-overdue global acknowledgment of his immense contribution to music and political discourse.
Fela, born in 1938, was a saxophonist, composer, and bandleader. He pioneered the Afrobeat genre, blending traditional African rhythms with jazz, funk, and politically charged lyrics. Despite enduring years of harassment, arrests, and violence from the authorities, he remained unwavering in using music to challenge injustice and inspire change.
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Faith Kegh
Content & Editorial Manager - Leads the creation, review, and publication of high-quality news and media content. She ensures that all editorial work reflects the organization’s standards of accuracy, professionalism, and relevance, while also engaging and informing the audience.
As the key driver of TokinPoint Media LTD's editorial voice, the manager oversees content planning, assigns tasks to writers or editors, enforces deadlines, and ensures consistency across all platforms. She also plays a strategic role in aligning content with audience interests and search engine optimization (SEO) best practices.