Fela, Sade Adu shine at Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Fela Anikulapo-Kuti..Photo Credit: iamhistory.uk

Nigerian music legends Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and Sade Adu have been inducted into the 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, further highlighting Nigeria’s influence on global music.

Fela, the late Afrobeat pioneer, was honoured posthumously in the Early Influence category, while Sade, the Nigerian-British singer, was inducted in the Performer category alongside her band.

The ceremony, held at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles on Saturday, was attended by members of Fela’s family, including his children Seun, Yeni, Femi, Shalewa and Made, who represented the late musician.

Fela was recognised for blending West African musical traditions with American funk and jazz to create Afrobeat, a genre whose influence continues to resonate across the world decades after his death.

In February, he was also posthumously honoured with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at a ceremony in Los Angeles, becoming the first African to receive the honour.

Sade, 67, known for her smooth contralto voice and hits including ‘Smooth Operator’ and ‘The Sweetest Taboo’, was, however, absent from Saturday’s ceremony.

She was among several inductees who did not attend, including British rock bands Oasis and Iron Maiden.

Other artistes inducted at the ceremony included hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan, singer Billy Idol, Phil Collins, Joy Division/New Order and the late American singer Luther Vandross.

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The ceremony also recognised women in hip-hop, with Queen Latifah and MC Lyte among the honourees. Their performances featured a medley of their hits, with Megan Thee Stallion and Remy Ma joining them on stage.

Wu-Tang Clan performed some of their popular songs, including ‘C.R.E.A.M’ and ‘Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing ta F’ Wit’.

“We went from being banned on the radio to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,” group member Method Man said to cheers.

Billy Idol also performed his hit ‘Rebel Yell’ after being inducted by Gwen Stefani, who later joined him on stage for a duet of ‘Eyes Without a Face’.

Phil Collins, whose induction marked his second entry into the Hall of Fame after his previous recognition as a member of Genesis, attended with his children.

The late Luther Vandross was honoured by Oprah Winfrey, while Usher performed his hit ‘Never Too Much’.

Other honourees included Cuban singer Celia Cruz, American singer Gram Parsons, producer Rick Rubin and television host Ed Sullivan, who received the Ahmet Ertegun Award for his contribution to the music industry.