The late Nigerian Afrobeat icon and pioneer, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, has been named “Africa’s foremost talent with positive energy, a creative genius, intentionally different and a premium quality brand.”
The posthumous award was part of the annual week-long Felabration event which was held from October 11 to 17, 2021, with the theme, ‘Viva Nigeria Viva Africa’.
In a statement issued on Saturday, October 23, Rite Foods, sponsor of this year’s Felabration, said the award was spurred by its recent research on courageous people in all spheres of life, including music.
The statement read in part, “We have a lot in common with Fela. The positive energy of fearlessness, positivity, and can-do spirit of Fela Kuti as a global icon and the world-class status of the Fearless brand and Rite Foods company, fit so effortlessly. Fela resonates with what “Fearless” stands for which is positive energy, courage, leadership, and can-do spirit that came with his creativity and leadership ability, and his pursuit for a better Nigeria and Africa in general.”
Receiving the award, Fela’s children, Yeni and Femi Kuti, said their father deserved to be recognised for his outstanding feats, especially with his music.
Yeni said “This award is the best thing that has happened since the inception of Felabration. It is significant because it came from a brand that promotes economic development, especially in the entertainment industry. We commend Fearless for sponsoring this year’s Felabration.
This award was given by Rite Foods, through its “Fearless” energy drink brand.
