Legendary Nigerian musician Fela Anikulapo-Kuti has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, becoming the first Nigerian artist to receive the honour.
Fela will be recognised in the “Early Influence” category alongside American rapper Queen Latifah, Cuban legend Celia Cruz, rapper MC Lyte and country rock pioneer Gram Parsons..
The list of honourees was unveiled on Monday night in the United States during a broadcast of American Idol.
Nigerian-born British singer Sade Adu will also be honoured in the “Performer” category.
She is recognised alongside Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Oasis, Luther Vandross and Wu-Tang Clan.
However, global stars including Shakira, Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, New Edition, and Pink did not make the final list despite being nominated.
Organisers said more than 1,200 artists, historians, and music industry professionals participated in the voting process.
The induction ceremony is scheduled to take place on November 14 at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.
Fela also made history in January as the first African musician to receive the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
The award comes nearly 30 years after his death and two years after the Grammys introduced the Best African Performance category.
The PUNCH