Entertainment
Grammys Honour Fela Kuti, Recognising Afrobeat Pioneer’s Political and Cultural Legacy
Nearly three decades after his death, legendary Nigerian musician and activist Fela Anikulapo Kuti is receiving formal recognition from the global music establishment, as the Recording Academy prepares to award him a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammy Awards.
Widely revered by fans as the undisputed pioneer of Afrobeat, Fela Kuti will become the first African recipient of the prestigious honour, an award first introduced in 1963. His family, friends, and longtime collaborators are expected to attend the ceremony to receive the award on his behalf.
“For a long time, Fela has lived in the hearts of the people,” his son, musician Seun Kuti, told the BBC. “Now the Grammys have acknowledged it. It brings balance to his story.”

The recognition comes amid growing global acceptance of African music, particularly following the international rise of Afrobeats, a contemporary genre rooted in the sound Fela helped create. In 2024, the Grammys introduced the Best African Music Performance category, while Nigerian superstar Burna Boy has earned a nomination this year for Best Global Music Album.
Music historian and longtime Fela associate Michael Stein noted that Africa has historically been marginalised within major global music institutions but said the tide appears to be turning. He stressed that Fela’s legacy cannot be separated from his politics.
“Fela consistently challenged injustice, corruption, and poor governance,” Stein said. “Ignoring that part of his legacy would be impossible.”
Fela Kuti was far more than a musician. He was a political agitator, cultural theorist, and outspoken critic of Nigeria’s military governments. Alongside drummer Tony Allen, he pioneered Afrobeat, blending West African rhythms, jazz, funk, highlife, and politically charged lyricism into a sound that doubled as protest music.

Across a career spanning three decades until his death in 1997, Fela released over 50 albums and built a movement that fused art with ideology. His outspoken opposition to authoritarian rule made him a frequent target of state repression. In 1977, following the release of his album Zombie, which mocked military obedience, his Lagos compound, known as the Kalakuta Republic, was violently raided by soldiers. The attack left many injured and led to the death of his mother, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, a prominent feminist and political activist.
Rather than retreat, Fela turned grief into resistance, famously delivering his mother’s coffin to government offices and releasing the song Coffin for Head of State as a direct act of protest.
His political philosophy drew from pan-Africanism, anti-imperialism, and African-centred socialism. Influenced by his mother and later by US-based activist Sandra Izsadore, Fela rejected Western cultural dominance, even dropping “Ransome” from his name due to its colonial associations.
Fela’s musical identity was also shaped by Ghana. Highlife, pioneered by Ghanaian musicians such as E.T. Mensah, Ebo Taylor, and Pat Thomas, heavily influenced his early sound. Time spent in Ghana helped refine the melodic and structural elements that would later define Afrobeat, underscoring the genre’s West African and pan-African roots.
On stage, Fela was a commanding presence. Leading bands of more than 20 musicians, his performances at the Afrika Shrine in Lagos blurred the line between concert, political rally, and spiritual gathering. According to Stein, audiences were participants rather than spectators, united in what he described as musical communion.
Artist and designer Lemi Ghariokwu, who created many of Fela’s iconic album covers, described the Grammy recognition as symbolic immortality. “His legacy continues to grow,” he said.
Today, Fela Kuti’s influence remains evident in global music and culture, inspiring artists across continents, including Burna Boy, Kendrick Lamar, and Idris Elba. Despite enduring arrests, beatings, and censorship during his lifetime, Fela remained uncompromising in his mission.
“He was not interested in awards,” Stein said. “He was interested in liberation, freeing the mind.”
For Seun Kuti, who was 14 when his father died, the honour is less about global validation and more about historical justice. “Fela belonged to himself,” he reflected. “But in a way, we all belonged to him.”
The Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, though long overdue, cements Fela Kuti’s place not only as a musical pioneer but as a political force whose work reshaped African identity, resistance, and expression on the world stage.
Entertainment
Ghana’s Tourism Sector Soars as International Visits Hit Nearly 1.8 Million in 2025
Ghana’s tourism industry kept growing in 2025, with more international visitors and local travel, according to the latest Tourism Report from the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA). The report shows that the industry is recovering well and moving toward steady long-term growth.
The report said Ghana received 1,306,962 international visitors in 2025, a 1.4 per cent increase from the 1,288,804 visitors recorded in 2024. Although the growth was small, it shows that Ghana remains a popular place for business, cultural, heritage, and leisure tourism.
Business travel was the main reason people visited Ghana, making up 31 per cent of all international arrivals. Visits to family and friends came next at 23 percent, showing Ghana’s strong ties with its diaspora and its growing popularity in West Africa. On average, international visitors stayed for 13 nights, and more than 60 per cent had visited before, showing that many travellers enjoy returning to the country.
The United States, Nigeria, and the United Kingdom remained Ghana’s top source countries for visitors. Nigeria recorded the biggest growth among them, with visitor numbers rising by 22 per cent in 2025. Arrivals from the United States increased by 13 per cent, while those from the United Kingdom grew by 7 percent.
Even though more people visited Ghana, tourist spending went down. Average spending per visitor dropped from US$3,742.98 in 2024 to US$3,319.90 in 2025. Because of this, international tourism earnings fell from US$4.82 billion to about US$4.34 billion. The report said there is a need for plans that attract visitors who spend more and for more high-end tourism experiences.
Local tourism remained an important part of the sector’s growth. Visits to 55 tourist attractions across the country reached 1,793,797 in 2025, a 7 per cent increase from the previous year. Ghanaians made up 84 per cent of all visits, showing the growing importance of local travel in supporting the tourism industry.
Among the country’s top attractions, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park was again the most visited site, with 302,523 visitors during the year. Kakum National Park came next with 203,222 visits, while Bunso Arboretum received 149,319 visitors. Other popular places included Cape Coast Castle, Manhyia Palace Museum, Accra Zoo, Elmina Castle, and Kumasi Zoo.
The report also showed growth in Ghana’s tourism business sector. The number of licensed tourism businesses increased from 6,702 in 2024 to 7,109 in 2025. This growth included hotels and other accommodation facilities, restaurants and food businesses, entertainment centres, and travel-related companies.
Speaking about the sector’s performance, GTA Chief Executive Officer Maame Efua Houadjeto said the results show Ghana’s lasting appeal and the growing strength of local tourism. She said the Authority is now focusing on attracting visitors who spend more, creating tourism opportunities in all regions, and making sure tourism growth benefits local communities.
Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, also praised the sector’s progress. She said it shows Ghana’s commitment to sustainable tourism, protecting culture, and encouraging innovation. She repeated the government’s goal of making Ghana the “Centre of the World” through investments in eco-tourism, community tourism, cultural heritage protection, and creative tourism experiences.
Entertainment
Ligal Baby Wins Big at Atinka Kids Dance Season 4 Grand Finale
The atmosphere at the Gamashie Hall (Bukom Boxing Arena) in Accra came alive as young dance sensation Ligal Baby of The Rock School, Darkuman, emerged the winner of Atinka Kids Dance Season 4.
The exciting competition, organised by Atinka TV, started with 30 gifted young dancers from different parts of the country. After weeks of intense performances, evictions, and thrilling moments, the contest was narrowed down to 10 finalists competing for the prestigious crown.
Contestants faced three challenging rounds during the grand finale: Hip Hop, Sponsor’s Identity, where dancers creatively promoted selected sponsors through performance, and an energetic Freestyle round that tested creativity, stagecraft, and originality.
At the end of the second round, Fantastic Two, Afya Pretty, Achiamaa, Ella Baby, and Maggie Vibes exited the competition, leaving Ligal Baby, Abi The Rock Star, Professional Dance Family, Irene Arthur, and KezeeB1 to battle for the top spot.

With confidence, creativity, and electrifying stage presence, Ligal Baby delivered an unforgettable performance that earned the admiration of judges and the audience, ultimately securing the championship title.
For the emerging winner, Ligal Baby received GH¢20,000, products from sponsors, and a one-year professional training opportunity with CRDS Kids under the celebrated Ghanaian dancer Champion Rolly.
Irene Arthur of St. Charles School, Dansoman, secured second place and received GH¢10,000, sponsor products, and a three-month training opportunity with CRDS Kids. Abi, the Rock Star of Perpetual Help School, Alhaji, finished third and walked away with GH¢5,000, sponsor products, and a three-month training opportunity with CRDS Kids.

Professional Dance Family from JABS School, Nungua, placed fourth, while KezeeB1 of Ofosu Aimoako Memorial School, Tabora No. 6, finished fifth. Both contestants also received cash prizes and products from sponsors.
The event attracted a large crowd made up of parents, teachers, dance enthusiasts, and entertainment lovers who cheered passionately throughout the performances.

Atinka Kids Dance continues to establish itself as one of Ghana’s leading platforms for discovering, nurturing, and promoting young dance talents while contributing immensely to the growth of the country’s creative arts industry

Entertainment
The Energy Man Londona Nie Set for Comeback After Successful Recovery Journey
Popular Ghanaian media personality Nana Yaw Kumi Jnr, affectionately known in the entertainment space as Londona Nie, is reportedly making a strong recovery after surviving an accident that occurred some months ago on the Kwabenya stretch shortly after work.
The incident, which came as a shock to many fans and industry players, saw the energetic radio presenter rushed to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital for immediate medical treatment. Sources close to the presenter revealed that medical professionals acted swiftly to stabilise his condition upon arrival.
Following news of the accident, social media was flooded with prayers, encouraging messages, and support from listeners, colleagues, friends, and well-wishers who expressed concern over his health and recovery.
Thankfully, fresh updates indicate that the celebrated on-air personality is recovering steadily and regaining his strength day by day. Insiders close to the presenter have disclosed that his health condition has improved significantly, with expectations high for his return to the airwaves in the near future.
Londona Nie, who hosts the drive-time and entertainment show on Top 103.1 FM, is widely admired for his energetic style of presentation, humour, and ability to connect with his audience. His absence has undoubtedly left a void among his loyal listeners who continue to anticipate his comeback.
As recovery continues, many supporters remain optimistic and grateful for the progress made so far.
Without a doubt, “The Energy Man” will soon return to the microphone stronger, healthier, and more energised than ever.
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