[FULL LIST] Fela And Sade Adu Make History With Hall Of Fame Induction

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Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo Kuti and Nigerian-British soul icon, Sade Adu have made history following their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2026, a watershed moment for Nigerian and African music on the global stage.

The 2026 inductees were announced on April 13–14, during a special Rock & Roll Hall of Fame-themed episode of American Idol, with host Ryan Seacrest and 2022 inductee Lionel Richie unveiling the honourees live on ABC and Disney+.

Selected by a voting body of more than 1,200 musicians, historians, and industry professionals, this year’s class reflects a diverse mix of genres, including rock, soul, hip-hop, Latin, and Afrobeat.

Fela Kuti, widely regarded as the originator of Afrobeat, was posthumously honoured in the Early Influence category.

The award recognizes artistes whose work laid the foundations for genres that continue to shape global music. By combining West African rhythms with elements of American funk, jazz and highlife, Fela created a politically charged sound that has influenced generations of musicians and activists worldwide.

His induction follows his recent Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award earlier in 2026, amplifying his legacy as one of Africa’s most influential cultural figures.

Sade Adu, the lead vocalist of the band Sade, was inducted into the Performer category, recognizing her sustained impact and global appeal.

She was renowned for her distinctive contralto voice and minimalist, jazz-infused sound. The singer rose to prominence with hits such as Smooth Operator and The Sweetest Taboo. Her influence spans soul, pop and contemporary R&B, inspiring a wide range of global artistes.

The recognition of both Fela and Sade marks the first time artists of Nigerian descent have been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a development widely regarded as a landmark moment for the global appreciation of African music heritage.

A total of 18 honourees were inducted across four categories.

PERFORMER CATEGORY:

Phil Collins
Billy Idol
Iron Maiden
Joy Division / New Order
Oasis
Sade
Luther Vandross
Wu-Tang Clan

EARLY INFLUENCE AWARD:

Celia Cruz
Fela Kuti
Queen Latifah
MC Lyte
Gram Parsons

MUSICAL EXCELLENCE AWARD:

Linda Creed
Arif Mardin
Jimmy Miller
Rick Rubin

AHMET ERTEGUN AWARD:

Ed Sullivan

According to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, artistes become eligible for induction 25 years after the release of their debut commercial recording.

The induction ceremony is scheduled to take place on November 14, 2026, at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, where the honourees will be formally celebrated.

The event will later be broadcast on ABC and Disney+ in December.

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