Legendary Nigerian musician and Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026.
The late singer, songwriter and social activist will be honoured in the Early Influence category, which recognizes artists whose work helped shape the evolution of popular music long before it gained mainstream attention. Fela shares the category with Celia Cruz, Queen Latifah, MC Lyte and Gram Parsons.
The announcement was made during Monday night’s broadcast of American Idol. The Rock Hall also revealed that British-Nigerian singer Sade Adu, frontwoman of the band Sade, will be inducted in the Performer category alongside acts including Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Iron Maiden and others.
Fela’s induction comes on the heels of his Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Widely regarded as the father of Afrobeat, he fused jazz, funk, highlife and traditional West African rhythms with sharp political commentary, influencing generations of musicians in Nigeria.
The 2026 induction ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, November 14, at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.
Established in 1983 and headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is dedicated to preserving the history of the most influential artists, producers, and engineers who have shaped popular music.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction recognizes artists for their lasting contribution to the evolution of rock and roll. To be eligible, an artist must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years prior to induction and is judged on musical excellence, innovation, and influence on other creators.
List of Inductees for 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Performer Category
Phil Collins
Billy Idol
Iron Maiden
Joy Division / New Order
Oasis
Sade (led by Sade Adu)
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 (Non-Performer)
Ed Sullivan