Fela becomes first African solo artist in Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Fela Anikulapo-Kuti has made history as the first African solo artist to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. This recognition comes nearly thirty years after his passing.

The late Afrobeat legend received the Early Influence Award at the 2026 induction ceremony held on Saturday at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.

This category honors artists whose music and performance have shaped rock and roll and influenced popular culture.

The Rock Hall praised Fela as a revolutionary figure who blended jazz, West African music, and soul to create Afrobeat. He used his music to challenge injustice and push for political change.

His children and grandchildren, including Femi, Seun, Yeni, Shalewa, and Made Kuti, were present at the ceremony to accept the award on his behalf.

Speaking on the red carpet, the family described the induction as one of Fela’s greatest achievements. They expressed their joy at celebrating this historic moment.

"This is the biggest award in the world. Guess what, he was the first African artist to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for the Grammy, and now he’s the first solo artist the same year. We’re going to be drinking some champagne," they said.

This honor comes the same year the Recording Academy awarded Fela the Lifetime Achievement Award, making him the first African artist to receive it.

Fela joined other notable winners like Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, Celia Cruz, and Gram Parsons in receiving the Early Influence Award.

Sade, the British band led by Nigerian-born singer Sade Adu, was also inducted in the Performer category. They were alongside Oasis, Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Luther Vandross, and Wu-Tang Clan.

Rick Rubin, Linda Creed, Arif Mardin, and Jimmy Miller received the Musical Excellence Award. Television host Ed Sullivan was honored with the Ahmet Ertegun Award.

The recorded ceremony will be aired on ABC and Disney+ on December 9.

Fela’s induction follows an earlier attempt five years ago to be included in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

In 2021, he was nominated for that year's class and gained significant support during public voting. The institution had described him as one of Africa’s most captivating and challenging musical performers. Despite this, he did not make the final list that year, which included Tina Turner, Carole King, The Go-Go’s, Jay-Z, Foo Fighters, and Todd Rundgren.

His recent induction adds to a list of international honors he has received posthumously.

Earlier in 2026, the Recording Academy honored him with its Special Merit Award, also known as the Lifetime Achievement Award. His family accepted this honor for him.

In 2025, the Grammy Hall of Fame inducted Fela’s 1976 album, Zombie, recognizing its importance in history and culture.

Born in 1938, Fela created Afrobeat by mixing highlife, jazz, funk, traditional African rhythms, and politically charged lyrics.

His music fought against military rule, corruption, colonialism, and social inequality. This earned him worldwide recognition and constant clashes with various Nigerian governments.

Fela passed away in Lagos in August 1997 at the age of 58. His music and political messages continue to influence artists across Africa and beyond.