Fela Aníkúlápó Kuti & Sade Adu Inducted Into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2026

The late Afrobeats innovator & political activist, Fela Aníkúlápó Kuti, has been formally inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2026, making history as the first solo African artist to be inducted, receiving the Early Influence Award. 

                                          

The induction ceremony, held at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles yesterday, was attended by his children—Femi, Yeni, and Seun — & his grandchildren, Made and Shalewa. 

This is an added achievement, as the late music legend was previously awarded a posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award on 31st January—the first African artist to receive it—which his children accepted on his behalf. 

                                                 

Another Nigerian artiste inducted—with the Performer Award this year — was Sade Adu (who, along with her band, Sade, were unfortunately unable to attend the ceremony), for blending  R&B, jazz, and sophisti-pop during her decades-long career. 

More black artists inducted included:

                                                    

with Megan Thee Stallion

Queen Latifah (the first female rapper to win a Grammy for Best Rap) and MC Lyte (the first solo female rapper to release a full-length LP album) both received Early Influence Awards;

 Wu-Tang Clan—their first nomination — for revolutionising hip-hop;

                                                          

and the late crooner Luther Vandross, posthumously inducted for his legacy in R&B and Soul.

Phil Collins & Billy Idol

The other notable inductees this year: music maestro Phil Collins, British rocker Billy Idol, British Pop Group Oasis, Heavy Metal band Iron Maiden, & post-punk band Joy Division/New Order. 

Congratulations to all inductees!