(UPDATE) Fela Kuti Leads Race On Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Nominees List

On February 10, 2021, late Nigerian afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti alongside other musical icons like, Jay Z and Mary J. Blige, were nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for 2021.

Following the announcement, that same day Nigerian celebrities and other Nigerians started the campaigning for Fela to be inducted. 

Some of those Nigerian celebrities include Burna Boy, Don Jazzy, Mr. Macaroni, Davido, Femi Kuti and more. 

Prior to the time of the announcement Fela's name was on the bottom of the list; But as at 5:30pm on February 12, 2021 Fela has gone from the bottom of the list to the top of the pile with over 81,000 votes leading.

An artist becomes eligible for nomination into the hall of fame after 25 years of release of their bodies of work and this year the list had 16 nominees in total for its 2021 class of inductees.

Other nominees who reached the eligibility zone long ago (alongside Fela, who's first body of work was released over 40 years ago) but are just making their first appearances include Dionne Warwick, Iron Maiden and the Go-Go.

Jay-Z and Foo Fighters also made the list for the first time as they both released debut albums in 1995.

Other nominees for the 36th annual class are Mary J. Blige, Kate Bush, Devo, Chaka Khan, Carole King, LL Cool J, Rage Against the Machine, Todd Rundgren and Tina Turner.

If Fela gets the nod, he will be the first Nigerian artist in the Rock and Roll hall of fame. 

Chairman, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation John Sykes said, 

“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.”

Voting closes in April 30, 2021 and the inductees will be announced in May 2021.

They’ll be honored at the 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony in Cleveland, Ohio.