Late Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, is currently topping the vote for nomination of the 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for possible induction.
The Rock and Roll hall of fame is an American Awards based organisation, awarding and celebrating outstanding rock and rock artistes.
The award has five categories namely performers, non-performers, early influences, lifetime achievements and sidemen.
Fela is currently leading the votes with 56 thousand plus votes while Tina Turner follows closely with 52 thousand plus votes on the 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame official page.
The Nigerian music icon was nominated alongside Mary J. Blige, Kate Bush, Devo, Foo Fighters.
Others are; The Go-Go’s, Iron Maiden, Jay-Z, Chaka Khan, Carole King, LL Cool J, New York Dolls, Rage Against the Machine, Todd Rundgren, Tina Turner and Dionne Warwick.
Top Nigerian celebrities Burna Boy and Don Jazzy have come out to clamour for people to vote for Fela via the official website and link: https://vote.rockhall.com
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation chair, John Skyles, this remarkable ballot reflects the diversity and depth of the artists and music the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame celebrates.
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.
He came to fame in the 70’s known for his constant criticism of the military regime in Nigeria at the time. He was fearless. He founded the Afrika Shrine regarded as an ancestral home for Afro pop music.