Nigerian Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, has been named among five music icons selected to receive the Early Influence Award at the 2026 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
The recognition places the late Nigerian musician alongside American rapper and actress Queen Latifah, Cuban singer Celia Cruz, hip-hop star MC Lyte and country-rock musician Gram Parsons.
The award celebrates artists whose contributions have significantly shaped music and influenced generations of performers across different genres.
The ceremony is scheduled to take place on Saturday at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, bringing together prominent musicians and entertainment industry figures to celebrate this year’s inductees.
In the Performer category, the 2026 class features several internationally recognised acts, including British rock band Oasis, Nigerian-born singer Sade Adu and her group Sade, American hip-hop collective Wu-Tang Clan and rock musician Billy Idol.
Other inductees in the category are Phil Collins, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order and the late American singer Luther Vandross.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, based in Cleveland, selected the inductees through a voting process involving more than 1,000 musicians, music historians and industry professionals.
However, some of this year’s inductees will not be present at the ceremony. Sade, Oasis and Iron Maiden have all indicated that they will be absent.
Sade announced its decision in a statement on its official website, expressing gratitude for the recognition while apologising for not being able to attend in person.
Oasis, whose members include brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher, also confirmed that they would not attend. The announcement comes despite the band’s plans for a 2027 world tour.
Liam Gallagher had earlier dismissed the idea of attending, telling a fan on X that the journey was too far for a single evening. Noel Gallagher, meanwhile, is scheduled to perform solo in London.
Iron Maiden will also miss the event because the band is currently touring Australia.
Another notable feature of this year’s induction is the joint recognition of Joy Division and New Order, two British bands connected by their musical history. New Order emerged after the death of Joy Division frontman Ian Curtis in 1980.
The band later established itself as an influential force in alternative dance music, producing popular songs such as Blue Monday, True Faith and Bizarre Love Triangle.
Phil Collins, known for hit records including In the Air Tonight and Sussudio, will also be absent from the stage performance due to health challenges.
Meanwhile, Wu-Tang Clan, famous for tracks such as C.R.E.A.M. and Protect Ya Neck, joins the 2026 class following what was billed as the group’s final tour.
Billy Idol is among the artistes expected to attend the ceremony. His induction follows Los Angeles’ declaration of November 13 as Billy Idol Day. The singer described his selection for the Hall of Fame as a tremendous honour.
Under the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s eligibility rules, artists must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years before being nominated.
Fela Kuti’s recognition is particularly significant for Nigeria and African music, highlighting the international influence of Afrobeat and the enduring legacy of one of the continent’s most celebrated musical pioneers.
Source: Punch