The late Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti has been nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for 2021.
The Rock and Roll hall of fame is an America Awards based organisation, who awards and celebrates outstanding rock and rock personals.
The award has five categories namely performers, non-performers, early influences, lifetime achievements and sidemen.
He was nominated alongside 15 other artists including rappers Jay-Z and LL Cool J. R&B stars Mary J. Blige, Chaka Khan and Dionne Warwick.
Also shortlisted were rock stars Rage Against the Machine and Foo Fighters, as well as veteran female singers Kate Bush, Carole King and Tina Turner in a gender inclusive list.
The inductees will be announced in May after a public vote, which closes April 30.
Some top Nigerian celebrities Burna Boy and Don Jazzy have come out to clamor for people to vote for Fela via the official website and link: https://vote.rockhall.com
Burnaboy wrote via his official twitter handle @burnaboy:
‘’Let’s get the legend FELA KUTI inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame!’’
Don jazzy also wrote via his official twitter handle @DONJAZZY
“Come on Nigerians.! We can do this. This is our Baba Fela we are talking about
“Vote for Fela Anikulapo Kuti for a well-deserved place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,’’ he said.
According to the chairman, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, John Skyles, this remarkable ballot reflects the diversity and depth of the artists and music the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame celebrates.
“These Nominees have left an indelible impact on the sonic landscape of the world and influenced countless artists that have followed them.”
The category would be based on highest votes, where the top five would be inducted into the 2021 hall of fame. The voting process is held on their official website .to vote go to vote.rockhall.com
Fela Anikulapo Kuti is regarded as the originator of Afrobeat in Nigeria an African music genre combining traditional Yoruba music and Afro-Cuban music with funk and a bit of jazz in it.
He came into fame in the 70’s known for his constant criticism of the then military regime in Nigeria, he was fearless and he founded the Afrika Shrine which is seen as an ancestral home for Afro pop music.
