Los Angeles to host live Fela Kuti GRAMMY tribute

The event follows The Recording Academy’s Special Merit Awards Ceremony and aims to celebrate the life, music, and legacy of the Nigerian afrobeat pioneer.

Sierra Leone-born, Los Angeles-based artist Duain Richmond, best known for his portrayal of Fela on Broadway, will lead the performance alongside LA’s multi-cultural ensemble, The Neighbourhood Orchestra. Richmond’s work as Fela has been described as “exhilarating” by The Washington Post, and he has toured with subsequent productions, including performances at the Olney Theatre Center near Washington D.C. in 2023 and the Southwest Arts Center in Atlanta in 2024.

The Neighborhood Orchestra, recognised for their eclectic performances and community engagement, will provide the core musical ensemble. Their collaborations include work with actress Annie Gonzales, hip hop artist Murs, and multi-platinum producer Kosine. The evening will also feature special guest appearances and a DJ set by MEKA.

“Fela’s music was never just entertainment; it was a call to consciousness,” Richmond said. “To bring this live experience to Los Angeles, a city that played a critical role in shaping afrobeat and his awareness of social justice, is deeply meaningful.”

Los Angeles holds historical significance in Fela Kuti’s journey. In 1969, Sandra Izadore, a Black Panther and activist, introduced Fela to key figures in politics and activism, including Malcolm X, Angela Davis, and Huey Newton, influencing his musical and political direction. Kuti went on to create Afrobeat, a genre blending traditional Yoruba rhythms with jazz, funk, and highlife, using music as a vehicle to challenge political oppression and corruption in Nigeria.

Fela’s work continues to inspire musicians and activists globally, establishing a lasting blueprint for combining art and activism.