Afrobeats singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, was among guests who joined members of the Kuti family in Los Angeles during activities marking the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award to the late Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
The gathering took place ahead of the Recording Academy’s Grammy Honors event, where Fela is set to be formally recognised for his contribution to music. Davido was seen in the company of Fela’s children, including Femi and Yeni Kuti, as well as other family members.
Videos from the event were shared online by Davido’s logistics manager, Israel DMW. In one of the posts, he wrote, “A night for late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. Abami Eda of the universe. Outside LA.”
Fela will be honoured with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, making him the first African artist to receive the recognition. The award is presented to performers who have made lasting creative contributions to music.
Fela, who died in 1997, is widely acknowledged as the creator of Afrobeat, a genre that blends African rhythms with jazz and funk. His music was also known for its strong political and social commentary.
Reacting to the honour, a member of the Kuti family, Yemisi Ransome-Kuti, described the award as a recognition for Africa. “This is a celebration for the African people and they should take it as their award. Another African is being celebrated,” she said. She also noted that recognition often comes late, adding, “Better late than never.”
Other recipients of the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award this year include Cher, Whitney Houston, Carlos Santana, Paul Simon and Chaka Khan.
Davido, who attended the event ahead of the main Grammy Awards ceremony, is also a nominee this year. His collaboration with Omah Lay, With You, is nominated in the Best African Music Performance category.
