The late Nigerian Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s 1976 album Zombie was inducted into the 2025 Grammy Hall of Fame, a monumental recognition of its enduring cultural and musical impact. Known for its fiery critique of Nigeria’s military regime, the album’s title track likened soldiers to “zombies” for their blind obedience, sparking both widespread acclaim and violent retaliation, including a 1977 raid on Fela’s Kalakuta Republic that led to his mother’s tragic death. Fela’s sons, Femi and Seun Kuti, celebrated the honour, with Femi calling it a validation of their father’s fearless vision and Seun noting its relevance to ongoing struggles against oppression. Fans on platforms like X erupted in pride, sharing clips of Fela’s performances and hailing Zombie’s polyrhythmic brilliance. The induction, reported by Legit.ng, places Zombie among global music treasures, reinforcing Fela’s legacy as a pioneer whose Afrobeat sound continues to inspire artists like Burna Boy and Wizkid. A Lagos tribute concert featuring Femi, Seun, and rising Afrobeat stars marked the occasion, blending performances with discussions on Fela’s activism.
