Nigerian afrobeats originator, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, one of the legends in Nigerian music and afrobeats, has been nominated for the international 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The icon’s name and legacy have been kept alive recently with collaborative merch drop with Online Ceramics, and the creation of FINDING FELA, a 2014 documentary film by Oscar-winning director Alex Gibney portraying and analysing the life of the pioneering legend.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has made a move towards immortalizing the creator of Afrobeat, by including him in this years list of nominees.
“24 years since his passing, we’re so happy to see our Father recognised in this way,” Fela’s children told OkayAfrica, via his longtime manager Rikki Stein. “Hoping that his fans around the world will vote for him, multiple times!”
Other popular names on 2021’s ballot include US queens of R&B Mary J. Blige, Chaka Khan (her 7th time being nominated!), Dionne Warwick, rap geniuses Jay-Z, LL Cool J (his 6th nomination), rock superstars Foo Fighters, Rage Against the Machine and legends Tina Turner and Carole King.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announced this years nominees via their official Twitter account.
Interested in voting? Then cast your vote at rockhall.com. Multiple entries are allowed.