Fela Kuti, the legendary Nigerian multi-instrumentalist and pioneer of the Afrobeat genre, has been named a 2026 inductee into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
He will be honoured posthumously in the “Early Influence” category alongside Celia Cruz, Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, and Gram Parsons.
The announcement was made during a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame-themed episode of American Idol on Monday, April 13. This year’s inductees in the Performer Category include Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Oasis, Sade, Luther Vandross, and Wu-Tang Clan.
Fela Kuti, who died in 1997, revolutionised African music by creating Afrobeat—a politically charged fusion of traditional Yoruba rhythms, highlife, jazz, and funk.
His sprawling, groove-heavy compositions and outspoken criticism of Nigerian military regimes made him a voice of the people and a global cultural icon. More than 1,200 music industry professionals voted on the nominees.
The induction ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, November 14, at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles. It will be broadcast in December on ABC and Disney+.
Other 2026 nominees who did not make the final cut include fan-vote winner New Edition, Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, and Jeff Buckley.
