Fela’s ‘Zombie’ Becomes First Nigerian Album Inducted into Grammy Hall of Fame
Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti has posthumously achieved a historic milestone, as his seminal 1976 album Zombie was inducted into the 2025 Grammy Hall of Fame, marking the first time a Nigerian album has been honored in this prestigious category.
The Recording Academy organizers of the Grammy Awards highlighted “Zombie” for its fearless political critique, cultural impact, and enduring influence on both African musical heritage and global political resistance. This Hall of Fame accolade recognizes recordings at least 25 years old with lasting qualitative or historical significance.
Fela’s eldest son, Femi Kuti, expressed the family’s pride on social media, stating:
“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 #Grammy.”
Originally released in Nigeria in 1976 and in the UK in 1977, Zombie stands as one of Fela’s most provocative works. The album’s title track sharply satirized the Nigerian military, portraying soldiers as unthinking “zombies” blindly obeying orders. Its politically charged content provoked outrage from the military regime, culminating in a violent 1977 raid on Fela’s Kalakuta Republic commune.
During that raid, Fela was severely beaten, his studio and master tapes destroyed, and his mother, renowned activist Chief Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, was thrown from a window, sustaining fatal injuries. This tragic event cemented Fela’s role as a fearless voice against oppression and left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s sociopolitical history.
Zombie now joins iconic albums from artists like Michael Jackson, Jay-Z, Cat Stevens, and Santana in the Grammy Hall of Fame, reflecting Fela’s profound influence on world music and activism.
Fela, who passed away in 1997, is celebrated as the father of Afrobeat, a genre blending jazz, highlife, and African rhythms with potent political messages. His music has inspired generations of musicians and activists, including his sons Seun Kuti and Femi Kuti, as well as global stars like Burna Boy, Questlove, and Beyoncé.
Despite enduring repeated arrests, physical attacks, and state persecution, Fela remained unwavering in his artistic integrity and dedication to social justice.
This Grammy Hall of Fame induction is a long-overdue international acknowledgment of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s enduring legacy as a musical revolutionary and cultural icon.