Fela Anikulapo-Kuti Makes History as First Nigerian in Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, becoming the first Nigerian and African artist to receive the honour.

NaijaChoice News reports that the late musician was named in the Early Influence category alongside Queen Latifah, Celia Cruz, MC Lyte and Gram Parsons. The list was unveiled in the United States during a broadcast of American Idol.

Nigerian-born British singer Sade Adu also made the cut in the Performer category. She will be honoured alongside Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Oasis, Luther Vandross and Wu-Tang Clan.

Over 1,200 artists, historians and music industry professionals took part in the voting process that produced the final list. Some big names nominated this year, including Shakira, Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, New Edition and Pink, did not make the cut.

The induction ceremony is scheduled for November 14 at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.

This latest global accolade comes months after Fela received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in January, making him the first African musician to earn that distinction.

The recognition lands nearly 30 years after his death in 1997 and two years after the Grammys introduced the Best African Performance category.

In Nigeria, the news has been greeted with pride across the music scene. Fela’s fearless blend of jazz, funk and traditional African rhythms gave birth to Afrobeat and turned music into a weapon against military rule and corruption.

His legacy continues to shape young Nigerian artists and influence sounds worldwide, proving the Abami Eda’s voice remains louder than ever.