Fela Kuti nominated for 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of fame

Late Nigerian musician and pioneer of the Afrobeat music genre, Fela Anikulapo Kuti has bagged a nomination at the 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The African music legend was announced as one of the nominees in a statement released on Wednesday by the Chairman of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, John Skyles.

“This remarkable development reflects the diversity and depth of the artists and music the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame celebrates.

“These Nominees have equally printed an indelible impact on the sonic landscape of the world and influenced countless artists that have followed them,” Skyles said.

Fela Kuti was nominated alongside other veteran artists such as Mary J. Blige, Kate Bush, Devo, The Go-Go’s, Jay-Z, Chaka Khan, Carole King,and Dionne Warwick.

Fela created and promoted Afrobeat music. It’s drawn from highlife -and blends African instruments with western jazz. Two of Fela’s children, Femi and Seun continue to play his music. Outside the family, other artists singing Afrobeat songs have been influenced by him. Fela was controversial. He preached Pan-Africanism – and condemned military rule. He sang against injustice and clashed several times with different governments.