Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, becoming the first Nigerian artist to receive the honour.
Fela earned his place in the “Early Influence” category, where he will be recognised alongside Queen Latifah, Celia Cruz, MC Lyte, and Gram Parsons.
Organisers announced the 2026 inductees on Monday night during a live broadcast of American Idol in the United States, placing the Nigerian legend among global acts that shaped modern music.
Nigerian-born British singer Sade Adu will also be honoured in the “Performer” category, alongside Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, Joy Division / New Order, Oasis, Luther Vandross, and Wu-Tang Clan.
However, notable nominees including Shakira, Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, New Edition, and Pink did not make the final list.
Organisers said more than 1,200 artists, historians, and music industry professionals took part in the voting process.
The induction ceremony is scheduled for November 14 at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.
The recognition comes months after Fela became the first African artist to receive the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in January, nearly 30 years after his death and two years after the Grammys introduced the Best African Performance category.
For Nigerians, the honour confirms what has long been clear Fela’s sound, message, and fearless activism reshaped global music and gave African rhythm a permanent voice on the world stage.
Leave a comment