Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, could be set for posthumous honour after he was nominated for the 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Born Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti on 15 October 1938, Fela – who died 2 August 1997 – was a Nigerian multi-instrumentalist, bandleader, composer, political activist, and Pan-Africanist. He was nominated alongside JAY-Z, Dionne Warwick, Foo Fighters, The Go-Go’s, Iron Maiden and Carole King.
Fela, who sang socio-political conscious songs like ‘Shuffering and Shmiling‘ and ‘Beast of No Nation‘ will also compete with the likes of Mary J. Blige, Tina Turner, LL Cool J and Chaka Khan.
Todd Rundgren, Kate Bush, the New York Dolls, Devo and Rage Against the Machine complete the 16-man list of nominees announced on Wednesday.
According to the chairman of the Rock & 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.”
Fans vote for up to five nominees daily from today till the 30th of April on the Rock Halls website while the winners of the 36th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony which will hold in Cleveland, Ohio will be inducted in May 2021.