In a groundbreaking cultural milestone, the Recording Academy has inducted Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s explosive 1976 album Zombie into the 2025 Grammy Hall of Fame, marking the first time a Nigerian album has ever received this prestigious recognition.

Unlike the standard Grammy Awards, the Hall of Fame celebrates recordings that are at least 25 years old and have made a significant cultural or historical impact. And few records are as daring, defiant, and influential as Zombie.

With its thunderous horns and fearless lyrics, Zombie launched a direct assault on Nigeria’s military dictatorship, mocking soldiers as mindless enforcers who “follow-follow” orders without thought or conscience. Originally released by Coconut Records in Nigeria and later distributed in the UK by Creole Records in 1977, the album included searing tracks like “Observation Is No Crime” and “Mister Follow Follow.”

The consequences of Zombie’s success were brutal. In 1977, Nigerian soldiers raided Fela’s Kalakuta Republic commune in retaliation. The attack left Fela battered, his studio in ruins, and his mother, legendary activist Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, fatally injured after being thrown from a window. It was a violent attempt to silence dissent, but it only solidified Fela’s legacy.

In announcing the Hall of Fame induction, the Recording Academy commended the album’s “fearless critique of oppression, cultural impact, and enduring relevance to political resistance and African musical heritage.”

Fela’s eldest son, Femi Kuti, took to social media to honour the moment: “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.”

From the streets of Lagos to the global stage, Zombie now stands beside historic recordings from icons like Michael Jackson, Jay-Z, and Santana, not just as music, but as memory, movement, and a message that still echoes across generations.