Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, has posthumously earned a place in the 2025 Grammy Hall of Fame, with his seminal 1976 album, Zombie, recognised by the Recording Academy for its enduring cultural and historical impact.
The announcement was made earlier this week, with the Academy noting that the conscious album meets the Hall of Fame’s requirement for recordings that are “At least 25 years old and exhibit lasting qualitative or historical significance”. The album now joins an esteemed collection that includes works by Jay-Z, Santana, and Cat Stevens.
Fela’s eldest son, Femi Anikulapo-Kuti, shared the news on his official X page on Wednesday. “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”, he wrote.
Released during a tense period in Nigeria’s military regime, Zombie delivered an unflinching critique of military oppression and unquestioning obedience. Its impact was immediate and far-reaching, provoking a violent state-led attack on Fela’s Kalakuta Republic in 1977, a raid that resulted in the destruction of property and brutal assaults on his family and community.
Despite the state’s attempt to stifle his voice, Fela’s message endured. Nearly three decades after his passing, Zombie remains a potent work of resistance, echoing in the music of African superstars such as Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido, and referenced by global acts like Alicia Keys and Coldplay.
With this latest recognition, Fela’s towering influence on music and politics — both in Africa and across the globe — is once again cemented in history.
