Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti and Nigerian-born British singer Sade Adu have been inducted into the 2026 class of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, marking a major global recognition of their musical influence.
Gatekeepers News reports that Fela was honoured in the “Early Influence” category, which recognises artists whose work significantly shaped and inspired the evolution of music, while Sade was inducted in the “Performer” category alongside global stars like Phil Collins, Iron Maiden, and Wu-Tang Clan.
The announcement was made during a special broadcast of American Idol, where organisers unveiled a diverse list of inductees spanning multiple genres, from rock and soul to hip-hop.
Fela’s induction is particularly historic, as it reinforces his global legacy as the pioneer of Afrobeat and highlights Africa’s growing recognition on the world music stage. He joins other Early Influence honourees such as Queen Latifah and Celia Cruz.
Sade, known for her smooth blend of soul, jazz, and R&B, earned her place among the main performers, further cementing her status as one of the most influential vocalists of her generation.
The induction ceremony is scheduled to take place on November 14, 2026, at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, and will later be broadcast globally.
