By Ben Efe 14.4.2026
Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, making history as the first African artist to be honoured by the American music institution dedicated to recording artists and performers.
Fela is the creator of the Afrobeat genre, his composition of jazz, funk, soul and African beats remain ever green and unmatched.
Fela also made history in January as the first African musician to receive the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
The award comes nearly 30 years after his death and two years after the Grammys introduced the Best African Performance category.
Other artists who made the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2026 include Queen Latifah, rapper MC Lyte, country rocker Gram Parsons, and Cuban singer Celia Cruz and Nigerian-born British singer Sade Adu.
Induction is billed for Saturday, November 14, 2026.
“Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is music’s highest honor. We look forward to celebrating these remarkable artists at this year’s ceremony—it’s going to be an unforgettable night,” said John Sykes, chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.